The Federal Department of Fisheries and Oceans says cod populations north of the Gulf of St. Lawrence are in a “critical” area. (SubC image)
Two days after the 30th anniversary of the 1992 cod moratorium that decimated the economy of Newfoundland and Labrador, Ottawa has closed commercial cod fishing north of the Gulf of St. Lawrence.
On Monday, Fisheries and Oceans Minister Joyce Murray announced a one-year ban on commercial fishing north of the Gulf of St. Lawrence in order to give young fish time to reach maturity.
“I understand the importance of cod fishing for people in the Gulf area,” the minister said in an interview with CBC News. “This will be a disappointment for many fish and their communities.”
Murray says cod populations north of the gulf are “deep in the critical zone” and the closure will give populations time to recover.
“I know most Newfoundlanders and Labradorians want this stock to recover, so it could be something that is fished in the future and for their children,” he said.
In a press release, the Union of Fish, Food and Allied Workers criticized the decision.
“Minister Murray’s decision further harms this troubled region as it continues to let the real problem, the overpopulation of seals, get more and more out of control,” said FFAW-Unifor President Keith Sullivan.
Federal Fisheries and Oceans Minister Joyce Murray, seen in an archival photo, said she acknowledges the closure will create economic challenges for people who depend on fishing. (CBC)
Murray said gray seals as predators are likely a factor in declining cod populations.
“When there is this kind of pressure, which we have no control over, it is still the case that we need to take steps to give the opportunity to rebuild the stock,” he said.
Murray said he is committed to working to gain a better understanding of the impact of seals on fish stocks and to look for ways to develop the seal industry in Newfoundland and Labrador.
“Cut deep”
Ernest Decker, who lives in the community of Rocky Harbor on the west coast of Newfoundland, said the northern Gulf fishery has had its ups and downs during his 50 years as a fisherman.
“Honestly, I think, deep down, they never give Gulf cod enough time to rebuild populations,” he said.
Decker said in recent years, commercial cod fishing in the area has only lasted about 12 days.
“It looks like the door has closed on us now as well,” he said.
Decker said it depends on crab and lobster to make a living, but Monday’s announcement will still have an impact.
“When you start closing down commercial fisheries, they start cutting deep into the pockets of fish gatherers,” he said.
Stock at 10 percent of benchmark
The press release of the Department of Fisheries and Oceans says that the existence of cod north of the Gulf of Sant Llorenç is at 10% of its “limit reference point” and is the “most worrying” of all cod populations of Atlantic Canada.
According to the department, the total allowable catch for this area in 2021 was 1,000 tonnes, with about 510 tonnes available for directed commercial fishing.
The statement says recreational fishing will continue with daily possession limits, and food, social and ceremonial fishing will also proceed. Sentinel fishing, which is when harvesters collect data on the stock while fishing, will also continue to provide updates on the health of populations.
Sullivan also criticized the decision to allow the continuation of recreational fishing.
“The minister’s decisions this year on shrimp, mackerel and now golf cod … show that our federal government is not committed to the sustainability of our province,” he said.
According to the department, the one-year trade moratorium will be reassessed in 2023, “taking into account economic factors, stakeholder prospects and the best science available.”
Murray said the actions will be evaluated before a decision is made.
“I think having a precautionary approach is critical given the importance of fishing to people.”
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