FFAW says closure of Northern Cod a loss for rural NL

The FFAW is calling on the federal government to complete scheduled surveys on the northern cod fishery prior to the 2024 fishery.

This year the northern cod stewardship fishery closed just days into the fall season.

Jason Spingle, FFAW-Unifor Secretary Treasurer says, “Catch rates for northern cod have been extremely high this year even with the slow start to the season due to the late crab season, the entire quota was landed in six weeks.”

The FFAW requested an increase to the quota for this year that would be in line with the increasing stock, however, the minister at the time instead proceeded with a quota rollover.

Several groups including processors, harvesters, industry groups and the Provincial government all advocated for increases to the quota. The NL-Groundfish Industry Development Council recommended an increase of 4,000mt, which would have meant a total of 17,000mt this year.