Closure of the southern Gulf cod fishery no surprise to PEIFA

By Andy Walker

FOR THE SOU’WESTER

The decision by Fisheries and Oceans Minister Gail Shea to shut down the cod fishery in the southern Gulf of St Lawrence came as little surprise to P.E.I. fishermen. “We were warned this would happen probably a year ago,” said Ed Frenette, the executive general of the P.E.I. Fishermen’s Association. “The catches have been so low the last few years the season has only lasted a matter of hours.”

Frenette said the decision was made largely from data developed through the sentinel fishery. While the commercial fishery has disappeared, a total allowable catch of 300 tonnes has been put in place for by-catch, Aboriginal and recreational fisheries and scientific surveys.

The scientific survey indicated predatory practices by grey seals is a significant reason for the decline. Shea has directed the department to ensure the targeted removal of grey seals that are preying on southern Gulf cod as part of its conservation approach. “That is certainly something we approve of,” the executive director said. “Our fishermen have been saying for a long time about how much fish the seals were eating.”