The northern cod stock assessment is out, and the number of fish in the waters off Newfoundland and Labrador is about the same as in the past number of years.

DFO scientist Paul Regular released the assessment this morning. While the stock grew from 2010-2016, it has remained steady ever since.

“Since about 2017, the stock has shown little increase, although there have been ups and downs,” says Regular.

He says one of the reasons for limited growth in the stock is the level of natural mortality – specifically the disappearance of fish through means other than fishing.

Cod depend on capelin as a food source, but limited availability of capelin has a direct impact on the potential for growth in the cod stock.

The capelin stock also collapsed around 1991, says Regular. “Capelin are expected to decline in 2025, and that will limit the growth potential of cod.”