3Pn4RS Cod management approach for 2022-2023

Species and area

Cod (Gadus morhua) in the northern Gulf of St. Lawrence (Northwest Atlantic Fisheries Organization (NAFO) Divisions 3Pn4RS).

Single or multi-year planning

This is a one-year decision applicable to the 2022-23 management cycle (May 15, 2022, to May 14, 2023). Another ministerial decision will occur for this stock with respect to the 2023-24 management period.

Management measures

The management approach for 3Pn4RS cod includes no directed commercial fishing of this stock during the 2022-23 management period. Bycatch of cod in other commercial fisheries will continue to be authorized (within permitted levels) as well as the sentinel, recreational, and food, social, and ceremonial (FSC) fisheries.

The Department will review existing bycatch measures to ensure that bycatch of 3Pn4RS cod in other commercial fisheries is kept to the lowest possible level. DFO will monitor activity and may close specific fisheries if the bycatch of cod exceeds the established protocols..

Conservation Harvesting Plans for individual fleets will be finalized through the normal consultation process between regional staff and industry representatives.

Links to other information

DFO conducted a scientific update of 3Pn4RS cod in January 2022, which can be accessed via the following link.

More details on the ministerial decision announcement are available on the DFO website.