Rebounding Northern cod fishery will benefit from changes to management, WWF-Canada says

ST JOHN'S, NL, Aug. 10, 2016 /CNW/ - Janice Ryan, WWF-Canada's senior specialist for fisheries conservation, is available to comment on changes announced by the Department of Fisheries and Oceans to the management of the 2016 Northern cod Stewardship fishery, including an extended season, weekly landing limits and removal of geographic requirements on where harvesters can catch cod.

WWF-Canada has been working for over 10 years to rebuild the cod fishery in Newfoundland and Labrador, and has partnered with FFAW-UNIFOR on a fishery improvement project (FIP) for the rebounding Northern cod 2J3KL fishery. WWF-Canada has already led a successful FIP on southern 3Ps cod, which became the country's first Atlantic cod stock to achieve Marine Stewardship Council certification in March 2016.

Ryan made the following statement in response to the changes:

"The 2016 Northern cod Stewardship fishery management plan allows for a modest increase in catch which adheres to the scenarios provided in the latest scientific assessment. This increase should ensure a positive growth trajectory of the stock over the next three years.

"The approach taken remains precautionary while allowing opportunities to harvest more cod over a lengthened season. This will help to bring a sustainable, higher quality product to market, and will give certainty and stability to communities and the fishing industry.

"The revival of the cod fishery must be developed sustainably, and for it to be considered successful, it will have to benefit the communities of Newfoundland and Labrador. A gradual approach to rebuilding the fishery will ultimately bring the greatest long-term benefits for this iconic species and the people who depend on them."

According to the August 4 letter from Fisheries and Oceans Canada to stakeholders, changes to the 2016 fishery will include:

• a competitive fishery with weekly landing limits;
• an extended season;
• removal of the requirement to fish within the harvester's home bay.

Further details regarding the management plan are expected to be announced by the DFO in the coming week.

About World Wildlife Fund Canada
WWF-Canada creates solutions to the environmental challenges that matter most for Canadians. We work in places that are unique and ecologically important, so that nature, wildlife and people thrive together. Because we are all wildlife. For more info visit wwf.ca

SOURCE WWF-Canada (Montréal)

Catharine Tunnacliffe, communications specialist, [email protected], [phone].