(Fredericton) The federal fisheries minister has announced a year-long closure of the commercial cod fishery in the northern Gulf of St. Lawrence.
Joyce Murray says the region’s cod stocks are at risk of serious damage and that the cessation of activities is necessary to rebuild them.
In a press release, Mr.me Murray says the one-year management plan will allow young fish in the stock to mature.
She says that because of the cultural significance of cod to people in Quebec and Newfoundland and Labrador, a recreational fishery will continue with a regulated season and daily limits.
The United Fish and Food Workers (FFAW) union says it is deeply disappointed with the year-long closure and says it is hurting a struggling region.
The union says the fisheries minister continues to let the real problem — seal overpopulation — spiral out of control.
