A recent evaluation of Atlantic cod populations in the Bay of Fundy and the Scotian Shelf highlights ongoing challenges that have persisted for many years.
A report released in April examined data from 2024-25, revealing the lowest number of young fish on record and high mortality rates. Lead researcher Irene Andrushchenko from the Department of Fisheries and Oceans expressed concern over the population’s outlook in these regions, stating that the situation does not appear promising.
Andrushchenko mentioned that the species has been in a critical state since around 2008, with no signs of improvement. The exact reasons behind the decline remain unclear but could be attributed to various factors such as predation and water temperatures.
Furthermore, the assessment indicated a decrease in the age of Atlantic cod, as older fish have not been observed in bycatch or surveys since the 1990s. The fishery for Atlantic cod is primarily bycatch-based, with a limited total allowable catch of 660 metric tonnes. In the 2024-25 management period, 466 metric tonnes were caught.
Katie Schleit, the fisheries director at Oceans North, an Ottawa-based marine conservation organization involved in the assessment, acknowledged the positive management response from the Department of Fisheries and Oceans. However, she highlighted the challenges of recovering collapsed populations, emphasizing the vulnerability of weakened fish populations.
Schleit emphasized the need for favorable environmental conditions to aid in stock recovery, particularly in regions like the Gulf of St. Lawrence and the Scotian Shelf, which are experiencing accelerated impacts from climate change. She underscored the concerning trend across various cod populations and the need for strategic management efforts.
Overall, the assessment reflects the ongoing decline in Atlantic cod populations in certain areas of Nova Scotia and New Brunswick, prompting calls for concerted conservation measures to address the challenges faced by this important species.