Oceana Canada Statement on DFO’s New Northern Cod Assessment 

Press Release Date: October 25, 2023

Media contacts: Vaishali Dassani, Oceana Canada, vdassani@oceana.ca, 647-294-3335;  Angela Pinzon, Pilot PMR, angela.pinzon@pilotpmr.com, 647-295-0517

Halifax, Kjipuktuk, traditional, unceded territory of the Mi’kmaq People Today, Fisheries and Oceans Canada (DFO) announced an update to its assessment model for northern cod (2J3KL), expanding the date range used to assess the population and applying ecosystem-based approaches, including recognizing the important link between cod and capelin. Below is Oceana Canada’s response from fishery scientist, Rebecca Schijns:

“Oceana Canada is encouraged to see Fisheries and Oceans Canada’s (DFO) commitment to improving the assessment of northern cod. For decades, it has been critically depleted, and a robust rebuilding plan is urgently needed for this population to ensure it is managed in ways that help bring it back to healthy levels.

Oceana Canada’s upcoming seventh annual Fishery Audit, to be released next month, will outline the importance of rebuilding fish populations in Canada and the actions DFO must take to prioritize healthier oceans and thriving fisheries.”

Oceana Canada was established as an independent charity in 2015 and is part of the largest international advocacy group dedicated solely to ocean conservation. Oceana Canada has successfully campaigned to ban single-use plastics, end the shark fin trade, make rebuilding depleted fish populations the law, improve the way fisheries are managed and protect marine habitat. We work with civil society, academics, fishers, Indigenous Peoples and the federal government to return Canada’s formerly vibrant oceans to health and abundance. By restoring Canada’s oceans, we can strengthen our communities, reap greater economic and nutritional benefits and protect our future. Find out more at www.oceana.ca.