While fish harvesters in the province are celebrating a substantial increase in northern cod quotas, a marine conservation organization believes the decision puts the stock in jeopardy.

Earlier this week, Ottawa more than doubled the total allowable catch for the species to 38,000 tonnes per year, with groups like the FFAW heralding it as a big win.

However, Oceans North believes the decision is bad news for conservation of the species.

Fisheries director Katie Schleit says while they do want to see more fishing, the science does not support that happening at this time.

DFO says the stock has been stable since 2017, and is at higher levels than what was thought last year.

Schleit disputes that, arguing that the stock has shown no growth since 2017, and says a perceived increase is due to a lowering of the stock’s limit reference point.

She says they are worried about a further decline in the stock, and the science indicates that there is between a 56 and 71 per cent chance that the stock will decrease in 2028 – based on last year’s numbers.