2020 2J3KL Northern Cod Stewardship Fishery management approach

Species and area

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

The management approach for the Northern cod Stewardship fishery for NAFO Divisions 2J3KL is based on stakeholder perspectives received during the Northern cod advisory and the results of the regional stock assessment.

Single or multi-year planning

This is a one-year management plan for 2020.

Management measures

The 2020 Stewardship fishery management approach will include measures to ensure catches do not exceed 12,350t, consistent with levels in 2019. Details on the management measures (e.g. open and close dates, weekly limit amounts, etc) will be included in the Conservation and Harvesting Plan (CHP). When finalized, the CHP will be available online. This plan will continue to recognize 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.

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
• Harvesters will not be restricted to fishing in the bay of their homeport
• Harvesters will be able to fish outside the 12 mile limit
• Fall Fishery Option