Question Period Note: Northern Cod reopening of commercial fishery (2J3KL)

• Fishing has shaped our history, economy, and culture in Newfoundland and Labrador. My Department and this Government recognize how important capelin and Northern cod are to the people of this province.
• We've consulted widely, hearing from stakeholders who bring a diverse range of perspectives. In making these decisions, we've considered their input, weighed the latest science advice, and chosen a responsible path to strengthen our fisheries while promoting conservation and sustainability for future generations.
• Recent scientific data and assessments confirm Northern cod has remained stable since 2017 and is in a healthier state than previously understood, allowing for a responsible total allowable catch increase from 18,000 tonnes to 38,000 tonnes.
• The primary beneficiaries of this fishery continue to be the coastal communities of Newfoundland and Labrador.
• To inform future management decisions for the recreational cod fishery—known to Newfoundlanders and Labradorians as the food fishery—the Government will launch a public consultation with the goal of gathering input on this fishery, and to consider the distinct differences in the health of the province’s three cod populations.

• The management approach for 2J3KL Northern cod for 2025 includes a Canadian Total Allowable Catch (TAC) of 38,000 tonnes (t), and includes:
• 80 per cent of the TAC is allocated (the inshore fleet sector, with 15 per cent of that amount provided to 2J-based harvesters (Labrador);
• Indigenous allocations of 3.33 per cent each are allocated to both the Nunatsiavut Government and Innu Nation;
• A special allocation of 3.33 per cent is provided to NunatuKavut Community Council; and
• 9.72 per cent is allocated to the Canadian offshore fleet.
• Under Northwest Atlantic Fisheries Organization (NAFO) measures, the Canadian TAC is considered 95 per cent of an overall TAC with the remaining five per cent (2,000 t) allocated to other NAFO Contracting Parties to be fished outside of Canada’s Exclusive Economic Zone in the NAFO Regulatory Area.
• DFO is committed to the development of a Precautionary Approach (PA) Framework for Northern cod and has established a working group with stakeholders to continue this work over the coming year.

If pressed regarding fishing of Northern cod by foreign fleets
• As a responsible fishing nation, Canada cooperates with other countries on the sustainable management of transboundary and high seas fish stocks through participation in regional fisheries management organizations like the Northwest Atlantic Fisheries Organization.
• Through our role at the Northwest Atlantic Fisheries Organization table, Canada negotiated strong conservation measures to limit catches in the Northwest Atlantic Fisheries Organization Regulatory Area outside the Canadian 200-mile limit.
• I can assure you that the limited Northwest Atlantic Fisheries Organization allocation for Northern cod is being stringently monitored.