FFAW-Unifor welcomes cod allocation decision but raises concerns over offshore access

The FFAW-Unifor union is welcoming Ottawa’s decision to maintain what it calls fair access for inshore harvesters in the 2026 Northern cod fishery, while cautioning that changes to allocation shares should be closely monitored as the stock continues to rebuild.

Fisheries and Oceans Canada announced that the 2026 Northern cod total allowable catch will be set at 59,000 tonnes. Of that amount, 41,300 tonnes — or 70 per cent — will be allocated to the inshore fleet.

An additional 10 per cent of the quota will be reserved for Indigenous and special allocations, leaving 20 per cent for offshore and midshore sectors.

The decision also maintains the existing 85/15 sharing arrangement between the 3KL and 2J management areas.

FFAW-Unifor president Dwan Street said the union views the retention of the 85/15 split as an important outcome for harvesters and plant workers across the region.

“Maintaining the 85/15 sharing arrangement is an important outcome for harvesters and plant workers throughout 2J3KL,” Street said. “However, we remain concerned by the reduction in direct inshore allocation and the significant increase in offshore access.”

FFAW-Unifor said it will review the full 2026 management plan once it is released and continue consulting with members across 2J3KL as the fishery moves into the new season.