NR-HQ-00-11E

Dhaliwal announces Atlantic Groundfish Management Measures for Scotia-Fundy and Newfoundland Regions

March 31, 2000

OTTAWA -- Herb Dhaliwal, Minister of Fisheries and Oceans, today announced management measures and total allowable catches (TACs) for groundfish stocks in the Scotia-Fundy and Newfoundland regions. The announcement follows recommendations made to the Minister by the Fisheries Resource Conservation Council (FRCC) in its January 18, 2000 report.

"As indicated by the FRCC, the status of groundfish stocks remains a concern. My decision to lower catch levels in certain areas reflects that concern and is aimed at ensuring a responsible fishery," said Mr. Dhaliwal. "At the same time, I also recognize the need for stability and the fishing industry’s interest in achieving a sustainable fishery. I am confident that the TACs and conservation measures announced today will rebuild a sustainable and economically viable fishery."

The Minister has accepted most of the conservation measures and TAC levels recommended by the FRCC for the year 2000. The TAC levels for each stock are summarized in the attached backgrounders: Year 2000 TAC Levels for Groundfish and Cod Stocks for Scotia-Fundy and Year 2000 TAC Levels for Newfoundland and Redfish Stocks.

4X5Y cod

The only departure from the FRCC’s recommended TACs pertains to 4X5Y cod in the Scotia-Fundy region, where a longer term rebuilding plan is being implemented. The TAC will be reduced from the 1999 level of 7,000 tonnes to 6,000 tonnes for the next three years. While this level of harvest is above what was recommended as a one year TAC for the 2000 season, it will still allow for modest growth in the stock this year. Moreover, the capping of harvests at 6,000 tonnes for three years will provide for management stability and ensure that stock rebuilding targets are met. A key element of the plan is the establishment of a rebuilding objective of a spawning biomass of 40,000 tonnes by 2003.

"The progress toward rebuilding this spawning biomass will be monitored closely by my department, and the FRCC’s advice on this progress will be sought," said Mr. Dhaliwal. "The spawning stock biomass will be estimated annually and if the expected rebuilding targets are not being met in any of the three years of this plan, reductions in catch or complete closure will be implemented in subsequent years."

A number of new measures will also be implemented and existing measures enhanced in order to ensure the protection of juvenile fish, prevent dumping and increase monitoring in the fishery. This is in line with the recommendation of the FRCC. The measures include closures, the use of selective gear, enhanced dockside monitoring and observer coverage levels and strict protocols for cod bycatch in other fisheries.

"This TAC, coupled with additional measures in place and the commitments I have received from the industry, will enable the stock to rebuild and allow for an orderly mixed fishery for cod, haddock and pollock in this area," said Mr. Dhaliwal. "The aim of these measures is consistent with that of the FRCC – to rebuild the stock spawning biomass."

The Minister also noted that overcapacity exists in this fishery and encouraged those fishermen who are able to do so to take advantage of the current licence retirement program while this option is available to them.

3Ps cod

In line with the FRCC’s recommendation, the TAC for 3Ps cod will be reduced from 30,000 tonnes in 1999 to 20,000 tonnes this year. This reflects the need for a more precautionary approach to harvest this stock in order to address the poor recruitment and decline in spawning stock biomass.

The department will complete the normal process of data analysis and reporting following the April research vessel survey. Data from this survey will be analyzed over the summer months, and will be provided to the FRCC for its consideration later this fall.

"I agree with the Council’s recommendation to lower the TAC in order to conserve the spawning stock," said Mr. Dhaliwal. "I know this reduced TAC will have an impact on the incomes of local fishermen. However, given the uncertainties associated with this stock, I must accept the responsible approach recommended by the FRCC."

Today’s decision includes a suite of actions necessary to rebuild the spawning stock biomass. It introduces conservation measures and TACs that are aimed at enhancing the probability that the spawning biomass will continue to increase and broaden in age structure among all stock components.

Implementing some of the FRCC’s non-TAC related measures will be done in cooperation with the fishing industry, which will have to address them in their Conservation Harvesting Plans. Other measures will be implemented by the department in consultation with industry. Conservation harvesting plans must be completed before the fisheries will be opened.

A backgrounder on the Year 2000 TAC levels is attached.