Canadian groundfish industry says new northern cod quota falls short of potential

Canada’s Atlantic Groundfish Council (AGC) has responded to the government's announcement of a 38,000-tonne quota for the northern cod fishery, stating that while the increase is welcome, it falls short of what the stock can sustainably support.

The industry group noted that the 2025 science update indicated the stock could support a considerably higher total allowable catch (TAC), and that the AGC had recommended a TAC of 49,000 tonnes.

Martin Sullivan, CEO of member company Ocean Choice International, said he would have liked to see a decision with a greater share for offshore harvesters.

The AGC argued that a larger offshore allocation for winter harvesting is essential to create a year-round supply for premium European markets, especially as other global cod stocks are declining.

Alberto Wareham, CEO of processor Icewater Seafoods, stated that this year presents a "rare opportunity" to increase Canadian market share.

The Northern cod fishery reopened commercially in 2024 after a 32-year moratorium and is now described as the second largest cod stock in the world by spawning stock biomass.

Derrick Dalley, CEO of Indigenous-owned Ueushuk Fisheries, said he looks forward to the continued growth of the fishery.

"The fishery is known around the world for its collapse a generation ago," said Sylvie Lapointe, President of AGC. "Now it has had a successful first year as a reopened commercial fishery and the stock is easily strong enough to support a considerable increase in catch in year two."