2021 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 2021.

Management measures

The 2021 Stewardship fishery management approach will include measures to ensure catches do not exceed 12,999t. 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.

The 2021 Management approach also includes a decision to allocate the first 115,000t of Northern cod to the inshore sector and Indigenous groups. When a total allowable catch (TAC) for Northern (2J3KL) cod is established, the first 115,000 t of directed Canadian access will be allocated to the inshore sector and Indigenous groups in Newfoundland and Labrador. At a TAC level less than or equal to 115,000 t, directed fishing activity will be limited to inshore harvesters and Indigenous groups in Newfoundland and Labrador. All other fleets, where no quota is allocated, will be limited to bycatch only. The Integrated Fisheries Management Plan will be updated to reflect this decision.