Newfoundland and Labrador’s Iconic Cod Fishery Reopens After 30-Year Moratorium
In a historic move, the Canadian government has announced the end of the Northern cod moratorium off the coasts of Newfoundland and Labrador, reinstating the commercial Northern cod fishery in NAFO Divisions 2J3KL. This decision marks a significant milestone for the region, as the cod fishery has long been a crucial part of the province’s cultural and economic identity.
The announcement, made by Fisheries Minister Diane Lebouthillier, sets a Canadian Total Allowable Catch (TAC) of 18,000 tonnes for the 2024 season. This cautious approach aims to balance the economic needs of the region with the necessity of sustainable fisheries management, ensuring the long-term health of the cod stocks.
“Ending the Northern cod moratorium is a historic milestone for Newfoundlanders and Labradorians,” said Minister Lebouthillier. “It’s through working together that we have reached this moment. We will cautiously but optimistically build back this fishery with the prime beneficiaries being coastal and Indigenous communities throughout Newfoundland and Labrador.”
The allocation of the TAC will see the inshore fleet sector receiving approximately 84% of the catch, with 20% of this inshore sector allocation provided to 2J-based harvesters. The Canadian offshore fleet will receive 6% of the TAC. This distribution aims to support the local fishing communities that have been hit hardest by the moratorium’s impact.
Seamus O’Regan Jr., Minister of Labour and Seniors, reflected on the profound effect the fishery’s closure had on the province. “The shutdown of the Northern Cod fishery more than 30 years ago changed our province. Its return is historic. We now have the chance to build a sustainable cod fishery that reflects the modern industry it has – and can – become.”
The road to this moment has been long and arduous. In 1992, the Canadian government imposed a cod moratorium in response to the alarming collapse of cod stocks off the northern and eastern coasts of Newfoundland and Labrador. This decision resulted in the loss of tens of thousands of jobs, leading to a significant population decline in the province’s rural communities.
However, the tide has now turned. Last year, scientists from the Fisheries Department announced that the cod stock had moved out of the “critical zone” for the first time in decades, shifting to the “cautious zone” and suggesting the potential for a cautious return to commercial fishing.
The reopening of the Northern cod fishery is expected to generate significant economic benefits for the region, supporting well-paying jobs in the commercial fishery and the processing industry. It also holds deep cultural significance for the people of Newfoundland and Labrador, who have long been synonymous with the iconic cod industry.
As the province embarks on this new chapter, the government has emphasized its commitment to sustainable management practices, ensuring the long-term viability of the fishery. This delicate balance between economic interests and environmental stewardship will be crucial in shaping the future of Newfoundland and Labrador’s cod industry.
The reopening of the Northern cod fishery marks a historic moment for the province, one that holds the promise of economic revitalization and the restoration of a cherished cultural legacy. As the people of Newfoundland and Labrador look to the future, they do so with a renewed sense of optimism and a deep appreciation for the resilience of their iconic cod industry.