Atlantic cod

What to check for

Location

Newfoundland and Labrador (Northern stock, 2J3KL)

Technical location

Atlantic, Northwest, NAFO 2J, NAFO 3K, NAFO 3L

Caught by

Hook & line (handline), Hook & line (longline), Net (gill or fixed)

Certification

Fishery Improvement Project (FIP)

Rating summary

This rating is under review.

Technical consultation summary

Cod on the Newfoundland and Labrador continental shelf is still at dangerously low levels. Reference points have been adapted and the stock biomass is now no longer in the critical zone is is 1.2 times the Limit Reference Point (LRP). Route 2 scoring was applied and there due to low stock levels there is concern for biomass but no concern for F (0.02). A recovery plan is in place for this cod stock. However, the plan does not appear to be precautionary, and the most recent catch limits have been set higher than the plan recommends. This is a small scale fishery that is not thought to have negative impacts on habitats or vulnerable species. Around 80% of the catch is by gillnet and the remainder by baited gears (longline, handline and cod pots).