Northern Cod and Capelin Quota Decisions Prioritize Short-term Gains Over Long-term Abundance (opens original article in a new tab)

Canada's fisheries minister increased northern cod quotas despite scientific concerns about stock sustainability, while maintaining capelin quotas at low levels, drawing criticism from conservation groups.

• Fisheries Minister Joanne Thompson increased northern cod commercial quota from 38,000 to 59,000 tonnes despite scientific warnings about stock decline risk.
• Capelin quota remained at 14,533 tonnes even though the species has not recovered to pre-collapse levels, threatening northern cod recovery.
• Oceana Canada criticized decisions for prioritizing short-term gains over long-term fishery stability and ecosystem health.