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April 29, 2004 FRCC’S RECOMMENDATIONS FOR THE CONSERVATION OF St. John’s. -- The Fisheries Resource Conservation Council (FRCC) released today its recommendations to the Honourable Geoff Regan, Minister of Fisheries and Oceans on the 2004/2005 Conservation Requirements for Gulf Groundfish Stocks. Based on new scientific data on the cod resource in the northern Gulf of St. Lawrence, Minister Geoff Regan, in a press release of March 2, 2004, asked the Council to provide advice on all groundfish stocks in the Gulf of St. Lawrence. In providing its advice, the Council took into consideration the Department’s Science review and information received from harvesters, community groups and other stakeholders. The Council conducted seven public consultations in various locations throughout Atlantic Canada and Quebec during the last week of March and the first week of April. The Council has concluded that the status of most groundfish stocks in the Gulf, including 3Pn4RS and 4TVn cod stocks, have remained relatively unchanged since its last review a year ago. The Council therefore reiterates the majority of the recommendations formulated in last year’s report. A number of flatfish species in the Gulf are showing positive signs (Atlantic halibut, witch flounder, Greenland halibut) with recruitment prospects entering the fishery in the coming years, however, the Council’s view is that currently it would be premature to increase the TAC’s for these stocks and is recommending that harvest limits remain unchanged for 2004/2005. The Council has noted that the scientific assessments, while based on the best data available, are characterized by many uncertainties as to the actual status of a number of stocks. It further notes that scientists and harvesters have very different views as to the status of the Gulf cod stocks. The Council recognizes that the resource has not rebuilt to levels capable of supporting a significant commercial harvest. As recommended in 2003, the Council supports continued limited fisheries and the involvement of harvesters in the determination of resource status. In light of this objective, the FRCC is recommending that the Department reinstate a small participatory cod fishery of 3,500t for the northern Gulf and 3,000t for the southern Gulf. In a press release dated March 2, 2004 the Minister asked that the FRCC address a number of issues that are key to the rebuilding of the cod stocks in the Gulf of St. Lawrence. The points raised included;
In its report, the Council provided its view and concluded that the stock status had not changed in any significant way since its 2003/2004 recommendations. Despite the low abundance, at least from an historical perspective, the Council concludes that stewardship and accountability from all parties is an essential element in providing the foundation for rebuilding the resource and would be best fostered through participation by harvesters. The current approach to assessing and managing the fisheries, however, is in need of a major transformation. “The Policy Framework for the Management of Canada’s Atlantic Coast provides the basis and context for such a rapprochement between the scientific knowledge, industry’s experience and management of the resource” noted Mr. Jean Guy d’Entremont, Chairman of the FRCC. Natural mortality remains a significant impediment to recovery. The Council continues to support measures to reduce seal predation and a program that will allow a better understanding of all causes of mortality of the resource in its natural environment. "The factors, human and natural, which affect productivity of the Gulf of St. Lawrence groundfish stocks are numerous and complex" said Mr. d’Entremont. "Although the Council did not have time to propose a detailed plan to address the answers to the many challenges, it has focused on recognizing the need to implement a different approach; an approach that excludes harvesters will only exacerbate the problems over the long-term." The 2004/2005 Gulf of St. Lawrence groundfish report and recommendations can be obtained from the FRCC website at www.frcc-ccrh.ca -30- For information: Arthur Willett |
