The federal fisheries minister is maintaining capelin quotas for most of Newfoundland and Labrador and is increasing the TAC in the Gulf of St. Lawrence.
Capelin is a pelagic species on which other species, including cod, whales, and other marine life rely. Concerns have been raised about the environmental sustainability of a continued commercial capelin fishery, with Oceana Canada calling for a complete closure to allow stock levels to rebound.
Minister Joyce Murray announced Friday that the Total Allowable Catch (TAC) for Newfoundland and Labrador will be maintained at 14,533 tonnes.
She calls that a “balanced approach” recognizing concerns with stock levels in the area and following a 25 per cent cut the previous year.
The quota in the Gulf is being increased by 10 per cent to 10,225 tonnes. That action was taken given what the minister calls the relatively positive outlook for the stock in that area, and will help to secure work for local plant workers.
FFAW Reaction
The FFAW says it is pleased that, “despite the attempts of conservationist lobby groups to unjustly influence the commercial fishery,” the quota was rolled over from last year.
The fisheries union says Minister Murray’s decision was based on “scientific evidence that the commercial harvest has a negligible impact” on the health of the stock.
The minimum price of capelin will be negotiated next week, and the union says any capelin landed before the price is set will be paid retroactively.
The Association of Seafood Producers also welcomes the news, saying removals are so low they don’t have an impact on the overall trajectory of the stock.
