The fisheries union expects an increase in northern cod quotas now that DFO has changed its approach to stock assessments.

Changing the limit reference point moved the stock out of the critical zone for the first time since the moratorium was declared three decades ago.

That’s leaving harvesters very hopeful that an expanded commercial cod fishery could be possible this season.

FFAW President Greg Pretty calls the union’s meeting with the federal fisheries minister a good one, and the union emphasized its expectations when it comes to setting quotas for the coming year.

“We had to impress upon the minister that…the Prime Minister has, in essence, guaranteed us 115,000 tonnes, as that stock quota recovers.” He says the union is “looking forward to good things in cod in 2024.”