The Newfoundland and Labrador Groundfish Industry Development Council says a better understanding of natural mortality rates in 3PS cod is needed.

Chair Jim Baird was responding to DFO’s latest stock assessment for the south coast cod stocks.

The level of natural mortality in the most recent time period is the highest ever recorded for the stock.

The council says it is “clear that seals eat substantial quantities of cod,” and industry representatives believe that seal consumption is leading to high mortality rates.

Baird says a better understanding of the processes related to natural mortality is important to provide scientists with the ability to make accurate projections related to stock growth.