DFO increases total allowable catch for northern cod fishery

Cod fish being distributed in St. John's, N.L. (CTV News)

Fisheries and Oceans Canada (DFO) announced an increase in the total allowable catch (TAC) in the northern cod commercial fishery. The TAC more than doubled from 18,000 tonnes to 38,000 tonnes under the new management plan.

Recent data confirms northern cod has remained stable since 2017 and is “at a higher level than previously understood from the 2024 assessment,” said a Wednesday news release.

“There are opportunities now to responsibly grow the industry and reflect on how we manage the food fishery,” said Minister of Fisheries Joanne Thompson. “We often say that the world needs more Canada, but Canada also needs more Newfoundland and Labrador – and a stronger cod fishery will help make that happen."

Commercial allocations for 2025-26 are as follows:

• 80 per cent is allocated to inshore harvesters including a new allocation for the inshore mobile gear fleet
• 10 per cent is allocated to Indigenous groups and special allocation
• 9.72 per cent is allocated to Canadian offshore fleets
• 0.28 per cent is allocated to mid shore fixed gear and mobile gear fleets

The new management plan did not increase the TAC for capelin, a key food source for cod and other species. The TAC for capelin remains at 14,533 tonnes.

The government will launch public consultations to inform future management decisions, said the release.

The management plan includes new provisions for tour boat operators. Passengers can retain two groundfish per day under the new tagging system.

“Canada is a maritime nation, with more coastline than any country in the world, and the fishing industry plays a vital role in our economy and coastal communities,” said Minster Chrystia Freeland. “Fisheries and Oceans Canada’s new voluntary tagging pilot program empowers tour boat operators to support sustainable marine practices — advancing conservation and our Canadian economy.”

Approximately five per cent of the TAC is allotted for Northwest Atlantic Fisheries Organization partners fishing outside Canada’s exclusive economic zone.