(Fredericton) The federal fisheries minister has announced a year-long closure of the commercial cod fishery in the northern Gulf of St. Lawrence.
Posted at 3:30 p.m.
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.