A rebuilding plan is in the works for 3Ps cod stocks that for the last 25 years have remained in the critical zone.

The primary reason researchers believe that the fish are not growing in either numbers or size is because of warming waters and a changing ecosystem.

Prey like capelin are not as plentiful, and some warmer water species are moving into the area, although their direct impact in terms of competition are not fully understood.

DFO stock assessment biologist Laura Wheeland says a rebuilding plan is being developed between Canadian and French officials to help build the stock.

“We undertook a series of long-term simulations to inform on what catch levels may support the rebuilding of the stock to meet those objectives and timelines that were defined in consultations” Wheeland told reporters yesterday.

What that means for future quotas, Wheeland can’t say.

“Any management decisions on Total Allowable Catch will only come after discussion with stakeholders as well as discussions with France, as this is a stock that’s shared between Canada and France.”

The FFAW meanwhile is reiterating its call for a ban of offshore draggers in the south coast fishery.