Oceana Canada says new research they’ve conducted provides what they call “compelling evidence” that capelin, one of the main food sources for many marine species, is critically depleted and overfished.

Oceana says DFO has classified the health status of the stock as uncertain, but acknowledges that it is in a precarious state.

Oceana Canada is calling on DFO to close the fishery until it is demonstrated that the population is growing out of the critical zone.

That, says the marine conservation group, will require greater investment in capelin research and a rebuilding plan.