Minister's Message |
No changes to 2004 Management Plan for Cod in Newfoundland and Labrador, says Minister Regan |
When I announced the reopening of a limited commercial cod fishery in the Gulf of St. Lawrence three months ago, I also indicated that the northern cod stock was in such poor shape that there would be no directed commercial or recreational fishing on this stock, located in NAFO Divisions 2J3KL.
That assessment and my subsequent decision were consistent with recommendations from the Fisheries Resource Conservation Council (FRCC). There was also a consensus among major fishery participants and scientists in Newfoundland and Labrador that the northern cod stock could not sustain a fishery. This stock is in such a precarious condition that the Committee on the Status of Endangered Wildlife in Canada has recommended that it be listed as endangered under the Species at Risk Act.
I have closely followed the ongoing debate about commercial and recreational cod fisheries in 2J3KL and a recreational fishery on the west coast of the island in 4R3Pn. Let me make my position very clear: to permit such fisheries this season, particularly in 2J3KL, would be irresponsible and in contradiction of Fisheries and Oceans’ environmental responsibilities to conserve and protect fish stocks.
I have also closely followed the concerns of many Newfoundlanders and Labradorians as to what they perceive as inconsistency in the application of the regulations that govern recreational fisheries in Atlantic Canada. I believe one set of rules for the marine recreational fishing community makes sense, and have asked that Fisheries and Oceans work with industry and the provinces to develop an Atlantic-wide policy. I’m confident this will result in a policy that will ensure consistency of application across the Atlantic provinces.
I am fully aware of reports from fishers of cod abundance in the inshore areas. The remnants of northern cod stock are concentrated in certain bays along the northeast coast, but it will take many years before the overall stock rebuilds to a sufficient level and can again sustain both a commercial and recreational fishery. We need to remember that the biomass of this stock was at one time estimated at three million tonnes and stretched from Hopedale to the Avalon Peninsula. It is now only a small fraction of that amount, located only in a few bays. There is no responsible way for the northern cod stock to currently sustain any kind of fishery.
DFO scientists will provide an update of the stock assessment of 2J3KL cod during the spring of 2005. While I look forward to seeing the results of this, it is unrealistic to expect that dramatic improvements in the biomass will be seen in the course of a single year.
I believe the 2004 cod management plan is sound. The long-term health of this stock should be everyone’s priority.
FOR MORE INFORMATION
Brian Underhill
Director of Communications
Office of the Minister of Fisheries and Oceans Canada
Ph: (613) 992-3474
|
