Andrew Lewin welcomes marine scientist Rebecca Schijns from Oceana Canada to discuss the state of Northern Cod and Capelin stocks. They delve into the challenges facing these fish populations and explore ways for citizens to take action to help move the fishery from a critical zone to a healthy one.
Tune in to learn more about the importance of protecting our oceans and how you can make a difference.
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The Decline of Northern Cod and Capelin Fishery Stocks
The Northern Cod and Capelin fishery stocks are currently facing significant challenges, with their growth stalling and a potential decline predicted in the near future. The history of the Northern Cod stock dates back over 500 years in Atlantic Canada, playing a crucial role in the region's coastal history. However, industrialization in the 50s and 60s led to overfishing by multiple countries, resulting in the collapse of the fish stocks in Atlantic Canada. Despite efforts to reassess fishing levels, the Canadian fisheries fleet ramped up domestic efforts, leading to further declines in Cod and other ground fish stocks.
The Capelin stocks also faced overfishing in the 90s, with no moratorium in place, resulting in ongoing fishing efforts on the stock. Currently, Capelin is at only 9% of its pre-collapse levels, indicating a severe depletion in the stock. The interdependence between Northern Cod and Capelin is crucial, as Cod relies on Capelin as a key prey species. The lack of a comprehensive management plan for both stocks has contributed to their continued depletion and failure to recover to healthy levels.
Recent assessments have shown that both Northern Cod and Capelin are hovering near the limit reference point, indicating a critical state for the stocks. Despite some positive signs between 2010 and 2016, growth has since flatlined, with projections indicating a potential decline back into the critical zone. The lack of a robust management plan and clear targets for recovery has hindered efforts to restore these fishery stocks to healthy levels.
The recent meetings in Newfoundland, where Fisheries and Oceans Canada and scientific groups discussed the stock assessments, highlighted the urgency of implementing effective management measures. The need for ecosystem-based management decisions, timely implementation of rebuilding plans, and a focus on sustainable harvest levels are crucial to prevent further declines in the Northern Cod and Capelin stocks. The lack of clear management measures and the absence of a long-term vision for rebuilding pose significant challenges to the recovery of these fishery stocks.
As concerned citizens and advocates for ocean conservation, it is essential to raise awareness about the critical state of the Northern Cod and Capelin stocks. Contacting gover
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