Northern cod 2023 quota rolled over from last year (DFO rejects increases proposed by FFAW/ASP)

DFO announced today the maximum harvest for this year's northern cod stewardship fishery has been set at 12,999 tonnes — a roll over from 2022, including 2,600 tonnes reserved for Labrador. The FFAW had asked for 25,000 tonnes, while the Association of Seafood Producers requested 17,000 tonnes.

A maximum harvest of 12,999 tonnes has been in place since 2020 when DFO set the limit at 12,350 tonnes.

This is year 31 of the northern cod moratorium, and DFO has been unable to complete critical offshore surveys on the stock in recent years because of science vessel breakdowns.

There are two other cod stocks adjacent to Newfoundland and Labrador, including Gulf cod (DFO slapped a moratorium on that fishery in July 2022), and south coast cod (this year's quota is a paltry 1,304 tonnes).

More fishermen are expected to fish cod this year in light of the severe decline in the snow crab price, and the fact not all crab is expected to be landed.

Here are this year's cod prices:

SEA-NL has taken the stand that continued cancellations and delays of critical assessments that survey the health of major fish stocks like northern cod have turned Fisheries and Oceans science into a Canadian shame.

Ryan Cleary,

Executive Director, SEA-NL

Seaward Enterprises Association of Newfoundland and Labrador (SEA-NL) is a professional, non-profit organization that serves as the distinct voice for licensed, independent owner-operator inshore fish harvesters. Visit sea-nl.ca to join.