Cod stock reassessment prompts calls from producers to end moratorium

A recentreassessment of Newfoundland and Labrador's northern cod stock has some in the industry calling an end to the commercial moratorium implemented in 1992.

Alberto Wareham, president and CEO of Icewater Seafoods in Arnold's Cove, says last year's reassessment the Department of Fisheries and Oceans, in reviewing historical data,moved cod from the "critical" zone to the "cautious" zone could signal the potential for a limitedcommercial harvest.

"We're hoping now with more confidence in the stock we would see a reopening of a commercial cod fishery," he said.

Wareham says he and producers havemet with the federal department to give suggestions for the coming fishing season, with the minister expected to decide the cod quota in early June. He said he thinks it should rise from its current 13,000 tonnes to 25,000 tonnes. He said the industry's catch rate of total cod biomass was only two per cent, so even doubling the quote would still be a "very conservative approach," he said.

Last year, DFO research scientist Paul Regular told CBC News that althoughcod isout of the critical zone, there are still some concerns about its future as its main food source, capelin, hasn't recovered from a slump in numbers.

In a Januarypress release, Fish, Food & Allied Workerspresident Greg Pretty said harvesters hope the new assessment will mean an increase in harvest amount.

"Increasing the northern cod harvest amount this season is critical for rural sustainability and an opportunity to diversify and increase incomes for seasonal workers," Pretty said.

Reopening the commercial cod industry would be a "huge development" for the province, said Wareham.

"No one in the industry wants a repeat of 1992. We want to start a commercial fishery this year and start building it for the future and managing it."

Download ourfree CBC News appto sign up for push alerts for CBC Newfoundland and Labrador.Click here to visit our landing page.