A group of seafood producers in Newfoundland and Labrador, Canada, has created a fishery improvement project (FIP) for northern cod, once one of the world’s largest fisheries but under a moratorium since its famous collapse in 1992.
Recent indicators show significant improvement in stock biomass, and other positive signs related to age profile, among others, said the Association of Seafood Producers (ASP), which is the client for several Marine Stewardship Council (MSC)-certified fisheries. Members include Atlantic Cold Seafoods, Barry Group, Beothic Fish Procesors, Breakwater Fisheries, Grand Bank Seafoods, Green Seafoods, Happy Adventure Sea Products, Independent Fish Harvesters, Labrador Fishermen’s Union Shrimp Co., Notre Dame Seafoods, Ocean Choice International, Quin-Sea Fisheries, Quinland Brothers, St. Anthony Seafoods and Woodman’s Sea Products.
The FIP process is being led by ASP and the Groundfish Enterprise Allocation Council (GEAC), along with the national and provincial governments. GEAC members include Acadian Fish Processors, Caramer, Charlesville Fisheries, Clearwater Fine Foods, Harbour Grace Shrimp Co., Icewater Seafoods, Inshore Fisheries, James Mood Fisheries, Ka’Le Bay Seafoods, Lameque Offshore Fishing, Marro Management, Mersey Seafoods, Monica Rae Fisheries, Nordic Fishing Co., Nova’s Finest, Ocean Choice International, Pecherie Chevarie, Premium Seafoods and Scotia Quota.
“[Sustainable Fisheries Partnership] supports this industry-led FIP and is pleased with the work of ASP and GEAC in implementing this important and timely project,” said Jim Cannon, CEO and founder of SFP. “As has been said before, northern cod was an iconic fishery that helped shape the historic development of North America. We are pleased to see industry stepping up, to collaborate to improve the policies and management around northern cod, as a key element in preparing the fishery for full recovery.”
