Fish harvesters and the Fish, Food, and Allied Workers Union (FFAW) in Newfoundland and Labrador are urging the Canadian government to honor a longstanding cod quota agreement dating back to 1982.
Recently, Canada’s Department of Fisheries and Oceans (DFO) reopened the 2J3KL northern cod fishery after a 32-year moratorium, initially assigning a limited "stewardship" quota. However, Fisheries Minister Diane Lebouthillier opted to increase this quota by 5,001 metric tons (MT) to a total of 18,000 MT. The allocation split saw the inshore fleet receive 83.73 percent (15,071 MT) and the offshore fleet 6 percent (1,080 MT).
The FFAW contends that this allocation contradicts Canada's 1982 commitment to allocate the first 115,000 MT of reopened cod fisheries primarily to the inshore fleet. FFAW President Greg Pretty emphasized that Prime Minister Justin Trudeau pledged in 2015 to safeguard this commitment, yet the recent quota decision has reintroduced offshore draggers prematurely.
FFAW has called for a ban on offshore drag fishing until the 115,000 MT threshold is respected, citing concerns that such activities could undermine the progress made by the ongoing fishery improvement project for northern cod initiated in 2015.
"Inshore harvesters fear that decades of conservation efforts may be undone by large-scale offshore operations," FFAW stated. They advocate reverting the fishery back to the stewardship rules of 2023 to safeguard the stock for future generations.
Glen Winslow, an FFAW Inshore Council Member, warned that allowing draggers back into the fishery jeopardizes the province's coastal communities and contradicts Canada's environmental commitments.
Meanwhile, the Fisheries Council of Canada (FCC) defended the quota distribution as vital for Newfoundland communities and the industry, highlighting investments made towards the stock's reopening and the potential for sustainable economic growth.
Paul Lansbergen, FCC President, emphasized the need for collaboration to ensure the sustainable harvesting, processing, and marketing of northern cod, positioning it as a flagship success for Canadian fisheries.
The debate underscores ongoing tensions between conservation efforts, economic interests, and governmental commitments in managing Canada's fisheries.
Source: Chris Chase (Jul 4, 2024). Fish harvesters in Newfoundland and Labrador demand Canadian government honor cod quota agreement. Seafood Source. https://www.seafoodsource.com/news/supply-trade/fish-harvesters-in-newfoundland-and-labrador-demand-canadian-government-honor-cod-quota-agreement
