(Stakeholders of the industry-led Northern Cod Fishery Improvement Project met in Barcelona ahead of Seafood Expo Global to discuss the project's progress | Photo courtesy of the Association of Seafood Producers)
The Northern Cod Fishery Improvement Project (FIP) in Newfoundland and Labrador, Canada, led by industry stakeholders, continues to make strides towards restoring the once-thriving Northern Atlantic cod stocks. Recent data suggests significant progress, marking a hopeful turn in the recovery efforts.
Established in 2015, the FIP has been a collaborative endeavor involving key players such as the Sustainable Fisheries Partnership (SFP), Marks & Spencer, Youngs Seafoods, Sysco France, High Liner Foods, Ocean Choice International, Icewater Seafoods, the Association of Seafood Producers (ASP), the Atlantic Groundfish Council (AGC), and government officials from Canada. These stakeholders convened in Barcelona on the eve of the Seafood Expo Global to review the project's progress and discuss future strategies.
The Northern Atlantic cod fishery, once one of the largest in the world, experienced a devastating collapse in 1992, leading to a prolonged moratorium on fishing. Presently, only a limited "stewardship" fishery operates, with strict quotas set by authorities. However, recent updates from the Department of Fisheries and Oceans Canada indicate positive trends in the stock's recovery. The total allowable catch for the cod fishery in 2024 has increased to 12,999 metric tons, reflecting confidence in the stock's resilience.
One of the significant developments highlighted in the meeting was the revision of the limit reference point (LRP), indicating that the stock is now 20 percent above the critical zone. This milestone signifies a substantial improvement in the health of the Northern cod population.
Jim Cannon, President of SFP, expressed optimism about the future of the fishery, citing encouraging updates in Northern cod science over the past year. He emphasized the importance of collaboration between industry, academia, and government in achieving sustainable fisheries management.
As part of the FIP, the ASP and AGC initiated an ambitious USD 8.5 million project in 2019 to tag and track cod. The telemetry data collected has provided valuable insights into cod behavior and migration patterns, contributing to scientific understanding.
Looking ahead, the FIP participants announced additional funding of USD 500,000 for 2024 to 2025, aimed at further enhancing research efforts. Alberto Wareham, President and CEO of Icewater Seafoods, reiterated the stakeholders' commitment to rehabilitating the fishery, emphasizing its importance in maintaining Northern cod's position in premium markets and achieving MSC sustainability certification.
The Northern Cod Fishery Improvement Project exemplifies a concerted effort to restore a vital marine resource, ensuring the long-term viability and sustainability of Canada's Northern cod fishery.
Source: Chris Chase (April 23, 2024). Canada's northern cod fishery improvement project making progress, stock out of critical zone. Seafood Source. https://www.seafoodsource.com/news/environment-sustainability/northern-cod-fishery-improvement-project-making-progress-stock-out-of-critical-zone
