FFAW Says Fisheries Minister Re-Open Northern Cod Commercial Fishery Against Recommendations

The FFAW says it has received more documents submitted by the Government of Canada in connection with the federal injunction filed by FFAW-Unifor in July, proving Minister Lebouthillier’s action in ending the moratorium on Northern Cod.

The union says there was insistence from Liberal MPs and DFO officials on ending the moratorium.

In a document issued by the office of Deputy Minister Annette Gibbons, the recommended option from DFO bureaucrats and scientists was to maintain a stewardship fishery and maximum allowable harvest level of 13,000t, reflecting a more cautious approach.

The second option was to re-open a commercial fishery with a total allowable catch of 15,000t, with directed Canadian access provided to the inshore fleet and Indigenous groups only. The third option, the option selected by the Minister, was to re-open a commercial fishery with a TAC of 18,000t, with directed Canadian access provided to the inshore fleet, Indigenous groups, and the offshore fleet. It was cautioned that this option may increase the risk of stock decline into the Critical Zone.

The injunction and application for judicial review filed by FFAW-Unifor is set to be heard in federal court on October 17.