Federal Fisheries Minister Joyce Murray announced Monday a one-year closure of the commercial cod fishery in the northern Gulf of St. Lawrence.
Murray said in a news release that cod stocks in the area are at risk of serious harm, and the closure is needed in order to rebuild them. She said the one-year management plan will allow young fish in the stock to reach maturity.
Citing “the cultural significance of cod to Quebecers and Newfoundlanders and Labradorians,” Murray said a recreational fishery will continue with a regulated season and daily limits. The science-based sentinel fishery, which provides updates about stock health, and the food, social and ceremonial fisheries will also proceed this year…