The FFAW says the results of DFO’s latest assessment on the 3PS cod stock comes as no surprise to many, but there was a change in the model and reference points on the stock.

DFO released data this week showing the stock off the province’s south coast deep into the critical zone. A significant change from the cautious categorization given last year.

Union President Keith Sullivan says that has to do with changes in DFO’s assessment framework. He referenced issues raised in the 2015 stock assessment.

While they have some questions and concerns about that, harvesters have long noticed worrisome signs – including fewer and smaller fish. Only 45 per cent of the quota was caught in 2014 because area harvesters were so concerned about the impact on the stock.

Sullivan says harvesters have a vested interest in the health of the stock, and have raised the alarm about the impact grey seals are having on 3PS cod.

He says the natural mortality rate has skyrocketed, and experienced harvesters are pointing to massive numbers of grey seals.