2017 Northern Cod Stewardship / By-catch Fishery 2J3KL management approach

Species and Area

Northern Cod (Gadus morhua) fishery in Northwest Atlantic Fisheries Organization (NAFO) Divisions 2J3KL.

The management approach for the 2017 Northern cod Stewardship/by-catch fishery for NAFO Divisions 2J3KL is based on a proposal submitted by Newfoundland and Labrador Groundfish Industry Development Council (NL-GIDC), collaboration between the Fish Food and Allied Workers Union (FFAW) and various Newfoundland and Labrador seafood processors.

Single or Multi-year Planning

This is a one-year management plan for 2017.

Management Measures

The Stewardship fishery will include: an extended season and weekly landing limits. This plan recognizes that harvesters have availed of the Department’s Combining policy and made investments to acquire additional allocations. Weekly limits for combined enterprises will be greater than the base weekly limit by an amount proportional to the level of Combining. Full details on the weekly limits for combined enterprises will be outlined in licence conditions.

The season dates and base weekly harvesting limits are:

Harvesters will not be restricted to fishing in the bay of their homeport.

Many of the management measures previously in place for this fishery will continue, including:

• Gear restrictions and gear limits
• Small fish protocol
• Monitoring of landings
• Logbook completion
• No Buddy- up
• Medical designations only

Links to other information:

• Stock Assessment of Northern Cod (NAFO Divs. 2J3KL) in 2016