A new assessment of cod off the south coast of Newfoundland shows the stock is in the critical zone. The updated information shows that the 3PS stock will likely remain critical for the next couple of years.

3PS extends from Cape St. Mary’s to just west of Burgeo Bank and over St. Pierre Bank and most of Green Bank. It is co-managed by France and Canada.

DFO says the cod stock in 3Ps (South Coast) is currently in the critical zone.

Natural morality rates over the last four years have been at the highest levels estimated.

This year, natural mortality is about 3x that of fishing mortality. @VOCMNEWS pic.twitter.com/jEYj9vhR4f

— Ben Murphy (@BenMurphy590) January 8, 2020

The total allowable catch for 3PS cod has not been harvested in full for a decade. Total landings last year amounted to 4,700 tonnes.

One of the key findings is that the natural mortality is about three times that of fishing mortality. DFO attributes that to a changing ecosystem, but harvesters say it is mainly due to the growing population of grey seals in the area.

Scientists are asking the federal minister to keep catch rates as low as possible.

This is the first real mention of seals in 3Ps and how it’s impacting the natural mortality.

Research is ongoing, but that’s about it. @VOCMNEWS pic.twitter.com/AyjAUHFwl0

— Ben Murphy (@BenMurphy590) January 8, 2020