Fish harvesters are calling for better science on the cod stock off the south coast. DFO scientists have categorized the 3PS stock as critical with little chance of significant improvement until at least 2024.
Fishing pressure is at an all-time low but natural mortality of the fish is on the rise due to several factors according to DFO including prey and warm water temperatures.
Harvester Corey Hepditch of Baine Harbour says they saw more bait fish this year in Placentia Bay in over a decade. Herring and capelin, which cod survive on, were all in abundance.
FFAW President Keith Sullivan notes that offshore draggers stayed out of 3PS this year, something which he believes was helpful to the struggling stock. However, DFO says that measure would have had only a slight impact.
Sullivan is critical of the federal government for not addressing the issue with seals. They believe the animals are voracious eaters of 3PS cod.
The Atlantic Groundfish Council, which represents industry, says there are signs for optimism for the stock on the water, in the plants and within the science assessment itself.