The federal government has more than doubled this year’s quota for northern cod.
The total allowable catch has now been set at 38,000 tonnes, up from 18,000 last year.
The Department of Fisheries and Oceans says recent scientific data assessments confirm that northern cod has remained stable since 2017, and is at a higher level than previously understood from last year’s assessment.
The FFAW says fisheries minister Joanne Thompson accepted the union’s recommendation’s in a number of key areas, and clarifies that of the 38,000 tonnes, 30,400 of that goes to the inshore.
There has also been a reinstatement of the historical two per cent allocation to the mid-shore fleet.
FFAW President Dwan Street (VOCM News file photo)
President Dwan street says she is “thrilled” with the increase, noting that after meetings with Thompson it was “clear” that she understands the union’s rationale.
“It’s giving us hope that there’s obviously a new working relationship with the Liberal government, and that Prime Minister Carney’s promise of working closer with harvesters on the wharf for important decisions like this one might actually hold some water.”
Meanwhile, DFO also announced today that the total allowable catch for capelin is being maintained at just over 14,500 tonnes.
