The World Wildlife Fund said on Wednesday new data reveals that the 2008 cod harvest on Canada’s Grand Banks exceeded the 420-metric-ton bycatch reduction target set by the Northwest Atlantic Fisheries Organization (NAFO) by more than 500 metric tons.
Last year, NAFO refused to set and enforce absolute bycatch targets, opting to rely on a voluntary measure by member countries to reach their target of reducing bycatch by 40 percent, according to WWF.
WWF is now calling on NAFO delegates to use scientific advice to reduce bycatch and immediately implement stringent measures, including spatial and temporal closures, absolute bycatch limits and total allowable catches.
“We can’t continue to ignore these numbers,” said Dr. Robert Rangeley, WWF-Canada’s Atlantic region VP.
“Rebuilding fish stocks and ecosystems is possible if exploitation rates are reduced and effective controls are implemented in waters beyond national jurisdiction,” he added. “By enforcing absolute limits on cod bycatch through a combination of gear restrictions and closed areas at this meeting, NAFO can provide the last chance for restoring this cod fishery.”
