Tag Archives: Newfoundland and Labrador Groundfish Industry Development Council

The NLGIDC are pleased with DFO’s revised assessment Model for Northern Cod

The Newfoundland and Labrador Groundfish Industry Development Council (NLGIDC) are pleased that The Department of Fisheries and Oceans (DFO) has implemented a revised model for assessing the 2J3KL cod stock. This model now utilizes data back to 1954 and shows that the 2J3KL cod stock is out of the critical zone and into the cautious zone of the Precautionary Approach (PA) Framework. In fact, the new model indicates the stock has been in the cautious zone since 2016. Previously the model only used data back to 1983. “The NLGIDC and other groups have been seeking changes to the stock assessment model for a number of years,” says Jim Baird, the Chair of the NLGIDC. >>click to read the Press Release<<  14:51

The NLGIDC are surprised and disappointed by DFO’s plan to implement a moratorium on 3Ps cod

St. John’s, NL, March 23. 2021 – The Newfoundland and Labrador Groundfish Industry Development Council (NLGIDC) finds it difficult to understand DFO’s rationale in proposing a moratorium for 3Ps cod in 2021. We are opposed to this approach. “During the 3Ps industry advisory meeting early in 2021, the DFO science presentation indicated the most important factors in determining stock growth are high natural mortality and a changing ecosystem and not the commercial fishery”, said Jim Baird, the Chairperson of the NLGIDC. Some facts from the recent 3Ps assessment: >click to read< 12:57

Northern cod stock declined over last year; scientists urge minimum fishing effort

Those in the province’s fishing industry hoping the northern cod would be ready for a commercial fishery in a few years’ time — a saviour to an industry suffering repeated blows from declining crab and shrimp stocks — better hold on to their hooks and nets. Northern cod this year are in the same leaky boat, having declined significantly over the past year. And that has come as a surprise to many because the northern cod stocks off the province’s east and northeast coast showed promising growth since 2012 — the first real glint of light since the dark and uncertain days of the northern cod stock collapse of the late 1980s and early 1990s. >click to read<10:10

FISH-NL calls for independent investigation of ‘epic’ mismanagement of northern cod stock, relationship between DFO and FFAW

The Federation of Independent Sea Harvesters of Newfoundland and Labrador (FISH-NL) says a dramatic decline in northern cod below 1992’s moratorium level reflects “epic” mismanagement that isn’t characteristic of the federal Department of Fisheries and Oceans with other fisheries across Canada. In that context, FISH-NL recommends Ottawa initiate an immediate, independent investigation of DFO management in the Newfoundland and Labrador region, and, more specifically, the department’s relationship with the FFAW-Unifor. >click to read<12:47

How Newfoundland is grappling with the return of cod fishing

Tony Cobb is seated at his usual table at the Chester Fried Superstop, a roadside gas station and convenience store that serves some of the best fish and chips on Fogo Island.,, His ritual is interrupted every few bites by the coverall-clad fishermen who approach the table after paying for their gas. In baymen’s accents and with hands held chest high, they tell Mr. Cobb, whose new fish business offers the best price for top-quality northern cod in Newfoundland, about the huge, gleaming fish they’ve been catching. The late fall yields the best cod of the year, from “foxy” reddish ones to black-backed hulks. These are not fish tales, and Mr. Cobb is happy to banter. But when the fishermen turn away, his eyes darken: His mind has wandered out of the diner and into the bleak murk of fishery politics. click here to read the story 14:06

FFAW, fish processors come together to revitalize groundfishery

ffaw-unicor groundfishAs shellfish stocks decline in Newfoundland and Labrador, members of the Fish, Food and Allied Workers union and a number of fish processors are putting aside age-old differences to help rebuild the groundfishery. Harvesting and plant worker representatives from the FFAW and officials from various fish processing companies — including Beothic Fish Processors, Codroy Seafood, Atlantic Ocean Products and Allans Fisheries — announced the formation of the Newfoundland and Labrador Groundfish Industry Development Council on Friday in St. John’s. FFAW president Keith Sullivan said that working together is a necessity for the future. “As the fishery begins another transition period, stakeholders must work together to develop a strategic vision for the future of the groundfish industry,” he said. Read the rest here 07:37