Despite the fact that fishing represents a fraction of the mortality rate among cod stocks off the south coast of the province, DFO science suggests that fishing in the region be kept to the lowest possible levels.

The stock assessment on 3Ps cod was released this week, showing natural mortality rates off the south coast of the island last year were among the highest observed.

DFO says even though they’ve seen increases in natural mortality rates, fishing mortality has decreased since 2015 and is relatively low compared to natural mortality.

Total reported landings in 2019-20 were 3,500 tonnes compared to 4,700 tonnes in 2018-19.

Recruitment is also below the long-term average set since the mid-1990s, indicating that fewer young fish are being produced.

Stock assessment biologist with the Department of Fisheries and Oceans, Danny Ings, says environmental changes are largely to blame.

Water temperatures have been rising for some time and more warm water species are moving into the area.