FFAW, WWF launch another northern cod FIP

Another fishery improvement project (FIP) for the iconic yet embattled Newfoundland and Labrador cod fishery has been launched — the second this month — in an effort to revive fish populations to commercial viability.

The Fish, Food and Allied Workers Union (FFAW-Unifor) and WWF-Canada are teaming up for a FIP on northern Atlantic cod, once one of the world’s largest fisheries but under a moratorium since its famous collapse in 1992.

The two groups say the northern cod stock in NAFO area 2J3KL has shown signs of growth since 2006, with trends pointing to further increases with good management.

“The goal of this Fisheries Improvement Project is to enable the historic and now recovering northern cod stock to rebuild to the levels necessary for the fisheries, coastal communities and associated industries to thrive,” said David Miller, president and CEO of WWF-Canada. “We are especially proud this is moving forward with the support of FFAW-Unifor and the many inshore fish harvesters whose livelihoods and communities depend on fishing.”

The Seafood Producers of Newfoundland and Labrador (SPONL) and the Fogo Island Co-Op are backing the project. Less than two weeks ago, the Association of Seafood Producers, which is the client for several Marine Stewardship Council (MSC)-certified fisheries, launched its own FIP with a group of seafood producers based in the region.

The FFAW-Unifor and WWF-Canada FIP aims to meet or exceed the Marine Stewardship Council certification for sustainable fisheries.

“Harvesters and their communities will be those most affected by the management practices of the cod fisheries”, said FFAW-Unifor President Keith Sullivan. “We are pleased to work with WWF-Canada and other partners who recognize harvesters’ commitment to ensure we build a sustainable northern cod fishery that benefits our coastal communities and the economy of our province.”

In January 2011, WWF-Canada and Icewater Seafoods started Canada’s first FIP in the 3Ps cod fishery off southern Newfoundland. With most cod stocks in the region still recovering from collapse, the project set out a three-year action plan and succeeded. The fishery is now in the final stages of assessment for certification by MSC.

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