St. John's, Newfoundland and Labrador - Cod is an important species to Newfoundland and Labrador. Commercial and recreational fishing has shaped the province's history, economy, and culture.
Today, the Minister of Fisheries, the Honourable Joanne Thompson, announced management plans for Northern cod (2J3KL) and Capelin (2J3KLPs) for the 2025-26 seasons, reinforcing support for Newfoundland and Labrador's coastal communities. Recent scientific data and assessments confirm Northern cod has remained stable since 2017 and is at a higher level than previously understood from the 2024 assessment, allowing for a responsible total allowable catch (TAC) increase from 18,000 tonnes (t) to 38,000 t.
Capelin is a key food source for Northern cod and other species, and plays a significant role in sustaining the marine ecosystem. While Capelin populations are stable, it is anticipated that stocks will decrease to recent average levels. As such, the TAC for Capelin will remain at 14,533 t.
To inform future management decisions for the recreational cod fishery - known to Newfoundlanders and Labradorians as the food fishery - the government will launch public consultations. The goal is to gather input on this fishery, and discuss the distinct differences in the health of the province's three cod populations. While the stocks on the south and west coasts remain in the Critical Zone, the Northern cod stock status has improved. Recognizing the importance of cod to coastal communities, the management measures for the recreational groundfish fishery will remain unchanged for 2025.
The government is launching a new voluntary pilot program for tour boat operations certified by Transport Canada, giving them the flexibility to retain fish seven days a week while eliminating the catch-and-release aspect. With the new tagging system, passengers can now keep two groundfish per day.
As these measures come into effect this season, we remain committed to ongoing assessment, consultation, and adjustments to ensure responsible fisheries management decisions.
