The Department of Fisheries and Oceans wishes to inform 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), for the current management year.
No directed commercial cod fishing will be authorized in NAFO Divisions 3Pn4RS during the 2025-26 management period (May 15, 2025 to May 14, 2026). Cod bycatch in other commercial fisheries will continue to be authorized (within established limits) as well as the sentinel (scientific), recreational, and food, social, and ceremonial (FSC) fishing activities.
In accordance with the objectives set out in the current 3Pn4RS Atlantic Cod Rebuilding Plan, the Department will ensure that bycatches of 3Pn4RS cod in other commercial fisheries are kept to the lowest possible level. The Department will monitor fishing activities and may close specific fisheries if cod bycatch exceeds established limits.