Fisheries & Oceans Canada
Gulf, Québec, Maritimes and Newfoundland & Labrador Regions
tice to Fish Harvesters
Gouvernement Government
du Canada of Canada
2010 NORTHERN AND SOUTHERN GULF OF ST. LAWRENCE
COD TOTAL ALLOWABLE CATCH
Moncton, Québec City, Dartmouth, Corner Brook – June 2, 2010 - The Department of Fisheries and Oceans (DFO) announces the Northern and Southern Gulf of St. Lawrence Cod Total Allowable Catches (TAC) for 2010.
In the northern Gulf (NAFO Divisions 4RS3Pn), there are serious concerns with the health of the cod stock. This was highlighted in the latest Scientific Advisory Report (SAR) for the northern Gulf of St. Lawrence cod stock assessment published in April 2010. The SAR indicates that recent harvest levels are unsustainable and inconsistent with a stock rebuilding strategy given current productivity. Most stock abundance indices are declining and the abundance of spawning stock is well below the limit reference point, within the critical area. A stock in this area is considered to be heavily
depleted. Because of these concerns, the TAC has been set at 4 000 t for the 2010 season.
Fish harvester representatives must provide DFO groundfish managers with their annual Conservation and Harvesting Plan (CHP) proposal at least ten days prior the anticipated opening date. All existing sharing arrangements will be respected. Harvesters are advised that previously announced spawning closures for Cod will be maintained until midnight (24:00 hrs) on June 23.
As was the case in 2009, there will be no directed commercial fishery for southern Gulf Cod in 2010 (NAFO Divisions 4TVn). A 300 t Total Allowable Catch (TAC) has been set to cover scientific and sentinel surveys, negotiated aboriginal food, social and ceremonial agreements, and a limited recreational fishery. There will also be a quota to ensure by-catch provisions for non-Cod directed groundfish fisheries.
For more information, please contact:
Luc Légère
Senior Advisor, Groundfish
Fisheries & Oceans Canada
Moncton, NB
(506) 851-2382
Senior Advisor, Groundfish
Fisheries and Oceans Canada
Dartmouth, NS
(902) 426-4669
