Moncton, Quebec, St. John’s and Halifax – July 7, 2022 – The Department of Fisheries and Oceans (DFO) wishes to advise members of the Gulf Groundfish Advisory Committee of the management plan for cod in the northern Gulf of St. Lawrence (Northwest Atlantic Fisheries Organization (NAFO) Divisions 3Pn4RS).
A per the ministerial decision announced on July 4, 2022, there will be no directed commercial fishing of cod in NAFO Divisions 3Pn4RS during the 2022-23 management period (May 15, 2022, to May 14, 2023).
Bycatch of cod in other commercial fisheries will continue to be authorized (within permitted levels) as well as the sentinel, recreational, and food, social, and ceremonial (FSC) fisheries.
The Department will review the current bycatch provisions to ensure that bycatch of 3Pn4RS cod in other commercial fisheries during the 2022-23 management period is kept to the lowest possible level. DFO will monitor activity and may close specific fisheries if the bycatch of cod exceeds the established protocols.
The Department will engage stakeholders during the 2022-23 management period to begin the development of a rebuilding plan for 3Pn4RS cod, which is subject to the fish stock provisions that entered into force through regulations on April 4, 2022.
A ministerial decision will occur for this stock with respect to the 2023-24 management period, taking into consideration economic factors, stakeholder perspectives, and the best available science, including results from the next scientific assessment for 3Pn4RS cod in winter 2023.
A summary of this information is also available at : 3Pn4RS Cod management approach for 2022-2023