Memorial University Libraries  |  Centre for Newfoundland Studies

Federal government releases POLICY FOR CANADA'S COMMERCIAL FISHERIES. This lays the ground rules for fishery management in anticipation of extended jurisdiction.
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Canada unilaterally declares extended fisheries jurisdiction (200 mile zone) based on articles 55 to 75 of Part V of the Third United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea.
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Establishment of the Canadian Atlantic Fisheries Scientific Advisory Committee (CAFSAC), the Groundfish Management Plan and the FO.1 level of fishing effort.

Newfoundland government publishes a multivolume review of provincial fisheries policy, SETTING A COURSE.
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Results in a WHITE PAPER ON STRATEGIES AND PROGRAMS FOR FISHERIES DEVELOPMENT TO 1985
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The Northwest Atlantic Fisheries Organization (NAFO) formally comes into existence.

The International Commission for Northwest Atlantic Fisheries (ICNAF) which had controlled the North Atlantic fisheries since 1949, is replaced by NAFO.

The report of Phase I of the provincial ROYAL COMMISSION TO INQUIRE INTO THE INSHORE FISHERY OF NEWFOUNDLAND AND LABRADOR is released.
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A comprehensive report dealing with northern cod is produced by NORDCO, IT WERE WELL TO LIVE MAINLY OFF FISH.
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The report of Phases II and III of the ROYAL COMMISSION is completed.
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The federal government's KIRBY Task Force report, NAVIGATING TROUBLED WATERS is released.
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A FISHERIES RESTRUCTURING AGREEMENT is signed by the federal and Newfoundland governments. This results in the formation of two giant fish processing firms, FPI and National Sea.
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Enterprise allocations are assigned in the offshore groundfish fisheries (introduced in 1982 on a trial basis).

Newfoundland government announces a program aimed at developing a middle distance fleet of vessels.

Background paper to the provincial Royal Commission on Employment and Unemployment is published: FISHERIES POLICIES AND COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT: PROPOSAL FOR A REVISED APPROACH TO MANAGING THE INSHORE FISHERIES IN NEWFOUNDLAND.
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The KEATS REPORT, sponsored by the Newfoundland Inshore Fisheries Association, examines DFO calculations of 2J3KL cod stocks.
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The Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency (ACOA) is formed. Administers federal development spending in the Atlantic region.

The ALVERSON REPORT of the federal TASK GROUP ON NEWFOUNDLAND INSHORE FISHERIES studies trends of cod stocks.
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Canada and Newfoundland sign a 5-year Inshore Fisheries Development Subsidiary Agreement. (NIFDA)
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An INTERIM REPORT is released by the HARRIS NORTHERN COD REVIEW PANEL, set up by the federal government to report on the quality of the scientific assessment of fish stocks.
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A FEDERAL TASK FORCE ON NORTHERN COD is established to devise more general fisheries policies and to look at ways to reduce the economic impact of cuts in fish quotas. (STEIN). (not released.)

A COALITION FOR FISHERIES SURVIVAL is formed. Made up of about 68 organizations with an interest in the inshore fishery.

FINAL REPORT of the HARRIS Panel is released.
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Federal government announces an emergency fisheries package, the Atlantic Fisheries Adjustment Program (AFAP).

The DUNNE REPORT is published presenting its implementation plan for the recommendations of the HARRIS Panel.
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The federal government announces a five year Fisheries Alternative Program to be administered by ACOA. Designed to create permanent employment for displaced fisheries workers and diversify the economy.
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MALONEY REPORT of the provincial Commission of Enquiry into the Alleged Erosion of the Newfoundland Fishery by Non-Newfoundland Interests is published.
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Federal government announces the Plant Workers Adjustment Program (PWAP); a downsizing package to help older workers.

Federal government announces a fish aid package and establishment of a Task Force on Incomes and Adjustment in the Fishery.

CAFSAC releases its Advisory Document (92/2) on the Northern Cod reporting a poor year for 1991. CAFSAC advisory documents 
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A seven vessel convoy sets sail from St. John's to the Grand Banks to protest foreign overfishing.

NAFO's Scientific Council warns of low levels of fisheries resources.
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A resolution is passed at the United Nations Conference on Environment and Development's Earth Summit committing nations to the "conservation and sustainable use of marine living resources on the high seas."

Federal government announces a two year MORATORIUM on the northern cod fishery (2J3KL) and emergency assistance payments to fishermen and plant workers. 
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Federal government announces an increase in compensation and a comprehensive adjustment program for northern cod fishermen (NCARP).
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SONAR (Save our Northwest Atlantic Resources) is formed by the Fishermen, Food and Allied Workers Union and the Fisheries Association of Newfoundland and Labrador.

The European Community agrees to abide by a NAFO moratorium against catching northern cod outside Canada's 200 mile zone.

A Fisheries Resource Conservation Council is established. It replaces both CAFSAC and the Atlantic Groundfish Advisory Committee.
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Representatives from 47 United Nations countries meet in St. John's to prepare for U.N. conferences on High Seas Fisheries in New York in April and July.
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Federal government outlines a new licensing and allocation scheme in the fishery which would involve the creation of two boards - one Atlantic and one Pacific. The Newfoundland government denounces the federal plan.

Newfoundland government releases a policy framework paper CHANGING TIDES promoting joint fisheries management.
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The organizational session of the United Nations Conference on Straddling Fish Stocks and Highly Migratory Fish Stocks takes place in New York.

Legislation (Bill C-129) is tabled in the House of Commons to create the two independent fishery boards as outlined on March 10, 1993.

Crosbie reports that the Scientific Council of NAFO confirmed a decline in the northern cod stock.
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Federal minister of fisheries, John Crosbie, retires.

Ross Reid succeeds John Crosbie as federal minister of fisheries.

REPORT ON THE STATUS OF GROUNDFISH STOCKS is released by the Dept. of Fisheries and Oceans. Indicates that the northern cod stock may not recover until the end of the decade.
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U.N. Conference on Straddling Fish Stocks and Highly Migratory Fish Stocks is held in New York. Canada proposes a draft convention that "contains legally binding obligations regarding conservation and enforcement, as well as compulsory dispute settlement." (Ross Reid)
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Paul Watson, Head of the Sea Shepherd Conservation Society, is charged with mischief and reckless endangerment of a Cuban fishing vessel. He was protesting foreign overfishing outside the 200 mile limit.

A demonstration is held in St. John's by FORCE (Fishers Organized for the Revitalization of Communities and Ecosystems) in support of Paul Watson's efforts to halt overfishing.

The Fisheries Resource Conservation Council releases a report recommending closure of the cod fishery off the south coast, reductions in TACs for other fish, and a moratorium on the recreational cod fishery off the east coast.
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Ross Reid releases a second report from the FRCC which calls for an international moratorium on groundfish stocks that straddle the 200-mile limit.

Premier Clyde Wells delivers a statement on fisheries management at the Annual Premiers' Conference, Baddeck, N.S. (WEEK IN REVIEW)

Ross Reid announces the closure of the fishery off the south coast of Newfoundland (3PS), the eastern Scotian shelf, the southern Gulf of St. Lawrence and Sydney Bight.

Angry fishery workers demonstrate in Fortune because of a dispute over scallop grounds off St. Pierre - Miquelon. Another group protesting closure of the south coast fishery trashes a federal fisheries office in Grand Bank.

At its meeting in Halifax, NAFO extends the moratorium on fishing for northern cod (2J3KL) outside 200 miles to the end of 1994, but ignores the FRCC's call for a ban on fishing cod on the tail of the Grand Banks. Sets a 6000 tonne cod quota instead.

Ross Reid announces that displaced fisherman who qualify for unemployment insurance can take part in make-work projects to tide them over until November when benefits kick in.

Ross Reid announces changes in assistance for fishermen who have qualified for fishermen's unemployment insurance but are without income until Nov. 15th as a result of fishery closures. Measures to manage continuing Atlantic groundfish fisheries and protect vulnerable stocks in closed areas were also announced.

The Fisheries Crisis Alliance, a coalition of church groups, municipalities, development associations, unions and fishery organizations, releases a petition calling for the restoration of fish stocks. It is expected to be presented to the Prime Minister on November 14th in St. John's.

A national campaign called No Fish, No Future is launched by the Canadian Ocean Caucus, an alliance made up of about 50 environmental groups across Canada.

The Nova Scotia government rejects Premier Wells' joint federal-provincial management scheme.

Brian Tobin is sworn in as federal fisheries minister with the new Liberal government.

The Fisheries Resource Conservation Council recommends that the northern cod moratorium be extended through 1994 and that it should include the cod fisheries in the Gulf of St. Lawrence and areas off Nova Scotia.
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Richard Cashin's Final Report of the Task Force on Incomes and Adjustments in the Atlantic Fishery is released: CHARTING A NEW COURSE: TOWARDS THE FISHERY OF THE FUTURE. It recommends continuing federal aid beyond May 1994 and making changes to the UI system.
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Brian Tobin announces the 1994 ATLANTIC GROUNDFISH MANAGEMENT PLAN. The northern cod moratorium will be continued indefinitely. The only cod fishery in Atlantic Canada in 1994 will be the western Scotian Shelf area and the Georges Bank area in the Southern Gulf of St. Lawrence.
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Federal Defence Minister David Collenette suggests that the navy may be called in to deal with those accused of overfishing outside Canada's 200-mile limit.

Brian Tobin meets with Yannis Paleokrassas, European Union fisheries commissioner and asks for help in dealing with boats from European countries which avoid catch restrictions outside Canada's 200-mile zone by reflagging their boats in Panama, Honduras and Belize. The EC agrees to join Canada, Japan and Russia in the surveillance of European countries that fly these "flags of convenience".

The Liberal government reiterates a promise in its Throne Speech to end foreign overfishing of the East Coast fish stocks.

Ottawa bans the recreational cod fishery off southern Labrador and the island's northeast and south coasts. Fishing cod for personal consumption is no longer allowed.

NAFO votes for a one-year international moratorium on fishing southern Grand Banks cod. Three of the eleven members abstain from voting - Denmark, Norway and the European Union.

Ottawa budgets $1.9 billion over five years for fishery relief. Payments are expected to average between $270 and $285 a week under the new program - compared to average weekly cheques of $300 under the current package which expires May 15th.

Prime Minister Chretien is presented with a petition in St. John's calling for the restoration of cod stocks. The signatures were collected by the Fisheries Crisis Alliance.

Tobin addresses a United Nations conference on fish stocks, calling for a convention with binding regulations to halt overfishing on the high seas.

A teleconference takes place between a House of Commons committee in Ottawa chaired by Ron MacDonald and fishermen in St. John's. Advice is sought concerning the new $1.9 billion, five-year fisheries aid package.

DFO officials seize the Kristina Logos, a trawler flying the Panamanian flag, in fishing area 3NO - an area placed under NAFO moratorium on February 17th.

The Standing Committee on Fisheries and Oceans chaired by Ron MacDonald presents its report on ATLANTIC FISHERIES ADJUSTMENT PROGRAMS.
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Fisheries Minister Brian Tobin and Human Resources Minister Lloyd Axworthy announce a new fish aid program, The Atlantic Groundfish Strategy (TAGS). It will replace the Northern Cod Adjustment and Recovery Program (NCARP) and the Atlantic Groundfish Adjustment Program (AGAP) as of May 16th. The 5-year, $1.9 billion package is aimed at reducing the number of fishery workers who currently depend on NCARP from 30,000 to 7,000. Industry renewal boards in each province will be responsible for downsizing the Atlantic groundfish industry. Maximum weekly payments will drop by six per cent.
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Tobin lifts a two-year old freeze on more than 3,000 groundfish licenses in Atlantic Canada. They will be returned to fishermen who are considered professionals according to standards developed by the government and various industry sectors.

Premier Wells meets with Prime Minister Chretien and asks for immediate action in halting foreign overfishing outside Canada's 200-mile limit.

New regulations come into force requiring that Canadian fishing vessels operating on the highseas or in the waters of another country be licensed by Canada (SOR/94-296, 1994 Canada Gazette Part II, p. 1819)

Tobin tables legislation which will give Canada authority to stop vessels suspected of fishing illegally beyond its 200-mile limit and to arrest flag-of-convenience and stateless vessels fishing for endangered fish stocks. It will allow Canada to identify the straddling stocks in danger, enact conservation regulations and compile a list of vessels against which these regulations will be enforced. (See Bill C-29: An Act to amend the Coastal Fisheries Protection Act)

Canada ratifies a new international agreement to prevent overfishing on the high seas. Under the agreement, ships flying the Canadian flag must obey the conservation regulations set by international fisheries organizations.

The 20th annual meeting of Eastern Canadian premiers and New England governors is held in St. John's. A main resolution calls on Canada and the United States to extend their jurisdictions over highseas fishing grounds if a United Nations conference later this summer fails to prevent overfishing by the Europeans.

The REPORT ON THE STATUS OF GROUNDFISH STOCKS IN THE CANADIAN NORTHWEST ATLANTIC is released. The northern cod stock declined during 1993.
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A new survey of northern cod stocks shows that for the first time in the 1990s, the number of cod has not declined and a new aggregation of juvenile cod was discovered in the Hamilton Banks area.

Tobin announces that the cod food fishery will reopen for two specified days per week between August 26th and September 30th.

A United Nations Conference on Straddling Fish Stocks and Highly Migratory Species is held in New York. It ends with a draft treaty that would regulate fishing on the high seas and an agreement to continue negotiations into 1995 to make it legally binding.

Tobin announces the rules for the cod food fishery. It will operate Friday and Saturday of each week from August 26th until September 24th. No licence is needed but there's a daily bag limit of 10 fish per person and only handlines or angling gear is allowed.

Clyde Wells restructures the Department of Fisheries. It absorbs the agricultural component of the former Dept. of Forestry and Agriculture to become the Dept. of Fisheries, Food and Agriculture headed by Bud Hulan. A new emphasis will be placed on product development, manufacturing and market promotion.

Tobin decides the food fishery will close after today instead of the 24th.

NAFO holds its meeting in Dartmouth. It agrees to continue the moratorium on northern cod and flounder on the Grand Banks.

The Coastal Zone Canada 1994 Conference is held in Halifax with the declining Atlantic fishery as a major topic.

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Tobin announces the establishment of Harvesting Adjustment Boards to reduce harvesting capacity in the Atlantic groundfish industry. Richard Cashin is chair of the Newfoundland Board.

The Fisheries Council of Canada releases a report that recommends that the Atlantic fishery be run as a business : BUILDING A FISHERY THAT WORKS: A VISION FOR THE ATLANTIC FISHERIES.
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John Anderson, head of fisheries ecology for the federal Fisheries department's regional office reports at the Symposium on Biology and Ecology of Northwest Atlantic Cod that for the first time in years, scientists have found young cod off Newfoundland's northeastern coast.
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The FRCC reports that the northern cod stock continued to decline in 1993 and recommends closing the caplin fishery and "significantly reducing" all seal populations: CONSERVATION: STAY THE COURSE.
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Tobin announces the 1995 Atlantic Groundfish Management Plan which adopts most of the conservation recommendations made by the Fisheries Resource Conservation Council.

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Canada and Norway make a tentative agreement which would allow the arrest of each other's vessels if found fishing illegally outside of each other's 200- mile zones. They also agree to bar any country's trawlers from their ports if the ships violated the other country's rules.

DFO reports that the latest research surveys of fishing grounds off northeastern Newfoundland and Labrador indicate the northern cod stock has virtually disappeared.

The premiers of Nova Scotia, New Brunswick, P.E.I. and Newfoundland agree that Canada should resist any action by the European Union to fish turbot, other than in accordance with the NAFO decision. They express strong support for the Government of Canada taking any action Canadian laws permit to ensure that the turbot resource on the Grand Banks is not fished at levels in excess of the quotas established by NAFO. (WEEK IN REVIEW)

DFO officials arrest and seize the Spanish trawler Estai for overfishing turbot outside Canada's 200- mile limit.

The captain of the Estai is charged with illegally fishing turbot, obstructing a fishery officer, destroying fishing gear and failing to stop the Estai.

The Estai is released on $500,000 bond. Its nets which were cut from the vessel prior to being seized are found. They show that undersized fish were caught with illegal gear.

Canadian fisheries officers cut the nets of a Spanish trawler, Pescamaro Uno, with a warp cutter.

The United Nations Conference on Straddling Fish Stocks and Highly Migratory Stocks is held in New York. Brian Tobin and Clyde Wells show journalists the nets from the Estai.

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Canada and the European Union reach an agreement to conserve and protect stocks that straddle Canada's 200-mile limit. This resolves the dispute over the fishing of Greenland halibut. The Canada - EU Control and Enforcement Agreement includes the following: independent, full-time observers on board vessels at all times; enhanced surveillance via satellite tracking; increased inspections and quick reporting of infractions; verification of gear and catch records; timely and significant penalties to deter violations; new minimum fish size limits; and improved dockside monitoring.

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DFO scientists locate a large school of cod estimated at between 10,000 and 20,000 tonnes in Smith Sound, Trinity Bay (Division 3L). Older, spawning cod make up part of the stock.

Brian Tobin and Clyde Wells announce a five-year $100 million Economic Renewal Program to be cost-shared by the federal and provincial governments. Will target specific sectors outside the traditional fishery that offer the most growth potential over the medium to long term.

Brian Tobin announces the results of a study showing that seals feed on 6.9 million tonnes of fish and other prey annually. Cod make up about three per cent (88,000 tonnes) of the harp seal diet in Newfoundland waters.

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Brian Tobin releases the latest groundfish stock status report showing most stocks remain at or near the lowest level ever observed.

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The UN Convention on the Law of the Sea of 10 December 1982 Relating to the Conservation and Management of Straddling Fish Stocks and Highly Migratory Fish Stocks is adopted and is expected to be ratified in the fall by the UN General Assembly. The agreement requires fishermen to report the size of their catches to regional organizations that would set quotas and permits the boarding of vessels that violate fishing regulations.

Human Resources Development Minister Lloyd Axworthy announces changes to the TAGS program effective September 1st which include changes to the way earnings are reported, a two week period each year when benefits won't be paid and a $20,000 threshold after which benefits are adjusted.

Axworthy announces that instead of a two week period without benefits, TAGS benefits will be reduced over a 20 week period between November and mid-March.

Tobin announces that there will be no recreational cod fishery in Newfoundland and Labrador this year.

Tobin announces that NAFO has adopted "the toughest set of control and enforcement measures of any fisheries management organization in the world." These measures are based on the control measures in the April 16 conservation agreement between Canada and the EU but, effective January 1, 1996, will apply to vessels from all 15 NAFO contracting parties. NAFO also decides to continue the moratoria for dangerously depleted straddling stocks of cod and flounder.

Several announcements are made in Tobin's speech to the St. John's Board of Trade. He reports that after consultations with industry, he and Lloyd Axworthy have resolved the 1995-96 funding for The Atlantic Groundfish Strategy (TAGS). There will be no reductions in benefits. Payments totalling $31 million have been authorized to 252 licence holders in the first round of bidding under the Groundfish Licence Retirement Program. He also announces that agreement in principle has been reached on early retirement programs for fishermen in Newfoundland, Nova Scotia and Prince Edward Island.
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Tobin hosts a North Atlantic Fisheries Ministers Conference in St. John's. The ministers attending are the Fisheries Ministers of Canada, the Faroe Islands, Iceland, Norway and Russia.

The Newfoundland government announces the details of the early retirement program for Newfoundland fisheries workers 55-64 years old. Funded 70 per cent by the federal government and 30 per cent by the Newfoundland government, the program will enable 1,300 to 1,400 individuals in the province to retire voluntarily from the fishery.

Canada signs the United Nations Agreement on Straddling and Highly Migratory Fish Stocks.

Major amendments to the Fisheries Act are tabled in the House of Commons. The goal is to create a single integrated statute for the management of domestic and foreign fishing in Canadian and adjacent waters. The Coastal Fisheries Protection Act will be repealed and its provisions integrated into the new Fisheries Act.

Brian Tobin announces that he has accepted most of the recommended conservation measures of the FRCC (Conservation Come Aboard) and will not reopen any commercial fisheries.

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Brian Tobin announces the framework for a new licencing policy for commercial fisheries on the Atlantic coast. Under the new policy, the inshore fishery will be made up of a professional core group of a limited number of enterprises. Each enterprise will be headed by a professional fisherman and will be encouraged to hold multiple licences.

Tobin announces that he will be stepping down as Minister of Fisheries and running for leadership of the Liberal Party in Newfoundland.

Fred Mifflin is sworn in as Canada's Minister of Fisheries.

John Efford is sworn in as Newfoundland's Minister of Fisheries and Aquaculture in Brian Tobin's Liberal government.

FFAW urges Ottawa to drop licensing proposal in favour of a program of professionalization developed by the Union through consultations with fishermen.

John Efford outlines draft legislation for the establishment of a Fish Harvesters Certification Board, allowing fishermen to become professionals in their field.

Richard Cashin submits a strategy to the provincial Dept. of Fisheries and Aquaculture to aid in decisions on plant openings and closings.

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Canada re-opens ports to European Union fishing vessels after nearly a decade during which they were denied access. The decision is in recognition that EU countries have co-operated in conserving straddling fish stocks over the past 12 months.

A report by the Canadian Council of Fish Harvesters brings together the views of fishermen across Canada on how the future fishery should be shaped: CREATING NEW WEALTH FROM THE SEA.
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The Professional Fish Harvester's Act is passed by the House of Assembly.

Minister Mifflin announces a sentinel fishery survey for the second year in a row. Contracts are awarded to the Fish, Food and Allied Workers' Union, the Petty Harbour Fisherman's Co-operative Society and the Fogo Island Co-operative.

DFO presents the 1996 Atlantic Groundfish Stock Status Report to the FRCC. It says improved environmental conditions over the last 2 years have resulted in healthier fish but the cod stocks are fragile and the recovery is just beginning.

Minister Mifflin heeds the advice from the FFAW concerning the federal licensing policy and adopts seven of the nine proposals from the Union.

NAFO agrees that once the northern cod fishery re-opens, Canada will, for the first time, set the TAC for northern cod, and that foreign catches of this stock outside 200 miles will be limited to five per cent of the TAC. Agreement is locked in until 2005.

Food fishery is permitted, despite controversy, during Sept. 20-22 and Sept. 27-29 in all coastal areas of the province and along the lower north shore of Quebec. Each person may catch no more than 10 groundfish (which includes no more than one halibut) per day with a maximum of 50 fish per boat per day.

Minister Mifflin tables a new Fisheries Act, the first major rewrite of the Act since the last century. It is bill C-62.

The FRCC recommends to Mifflin that in 1997 low level re-openings of commercial cod fisheries be allowed off the southern and western coasts of Newfoundland as well as the southern Gulf of St. Lawrence: BUILDING THE BRIDGE.
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Report funded by ISER in partnership with FishNet, suggests women have faced more barriers than men in coping with the collapse of the cod fishery: OUR LIVES ARE AT STAKE.
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Richard Cashin submits the final report of the Fishing Industry Renewal Board: A POLICY FRAMEWORK FOR FISH PROCESSING FINAL REPORT.
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Minister Mifflin officially announces that two East coast commercial cod fisheries will partly reopen May 1st. There are quotas of 10,000 tonnes for the south coast of Newfoundland (3Ps) and 6000 tonnes in the northern Gulf of St. Lawrence (4RS3Pn).

DFO criticized in article written by Jeffrey Hutchings, Richard Haedrich and Carl Walters entitled "Is scientific inquiry incompatible with government information control?" (Canadian Journal of Fisheries and Aquatic Sciences vol. 54 (5), pp. 1198-1210). 
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Commercial cod fishery reopens in zones 3Ps and 4Rs3Pn.

David Anderson becomes Minister of Fisheries and Oceans.

An article in Canadian Geographic (July-Aug. 1997, vol. 117(4), p. 18, 22) reveals that in April, Kim Bell, of Memorial University of Newfoundland, recommended to COSEWIC, after 3 years of study, that the Atlantic cod be considered an endangered species.
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International Summit of the Sea Conference is held in St. John's. Fisheries Minister Anderson signs an international Oceans Charter and admits that Ottawa made errors in fisheries management in the past. SUMMIT OF THE SEA CONFERENCE PROCEEDINGS
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Food fishery permitted on south and west coasts of Newfoundland.

Food fishery permitted for second weekend.

Report of the House of Commons Standing Committee on Fisheries is released - chaired by George Baker. Calls on Ottawa to ban foreign fishing, continue TAGS and accept blame for collapse of northern cod stock: EAST COAST REPORT.
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The FRCC releases its advice to DFO - recommends continued moratoria on cod for the east and northeast coasts, but the establishment of an index program of 4,000 tonnes.
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Atlantic cod is designated one of Canada's "vulnerable" species by the Committee on the Status of Endangered Wildlife in Canada.

Michael Harris describes the events that led to the crisis in the Atlantic groundfish fishery, and outlines the involvement of the federal and provincial governments and scientists in his book: LAMENT FOR AN OCEAN: THE COLLAPSE OF THE ATLANTIC COD FISHERY: A TRUE CRIME STORY.
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Atlantic Groundfish Management Plan is announced. The cod quota is reduced from 6000 tonnes to 3000 tonnes along the west and south coasts and a portion of a turbot quota is transferred to Quebec, leading to protests by hundreds of fisheries workers along the west coast.
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Minister Anderson rescinds decisions after protests and agrees to a 3000 tonne commercial hook and line fishery instead of the test fishery for the west coast and restores the province's share of the turbot quota in the Gulf to 18 per cent.

The post-TAGS fisheries restructuring package is announced. $730 million for Atlantic Canada with emphasis on early retirement and license buyouts.

Recreational food fishery allowed for Newfoundland and the lower North Shore of Quebec. Decision goes against recommendation of FRCC.

NAFO formally adopts 100 per cent observer coverage for all fishing vessels in the NAFO regulatory area outside Canada's 200-mile limit.

Dr. George Rose says cod in the 1994 class are beginning to spawn off Labrador, showing signs of recovery for the northern cod stock.

Commercial test index fishery begins along the east and northeast coasts and will continue for three weeks.

$250 million license buyback program is announced.

FRCC recommends that an interim quota of 6,700 tonnes be set for cod on the south coast between Jan. 1 and April 30.

The International Court of Justice decides not to hear Spain's claim against Canada arising from the arrest of the Spanish fishing vessel Estai during the 1995 Turbot War.

Minister Anderson announces an interim cod quota of 3,000 tonnes for the south coast between Jan. 1 and April 30 as part of the 1999 groundfish management measures. The plan marks the beginning of a new management cycle for the non-NAFO groundfish stocks. The change is made to respond to industry requests for more timely preparation and announcement of the groundfish management plan.

The framework for a three-year Canada-Newfoundland Agreement on Economic Development and Fisheries Adjustment which will be cost-shared between the federal and provincial governments is announced. The two main programs are Regional Economic Development and Strategic Investment.

The Fish, Food and Allied Workers' Union releases a policy paper prepared by its Inshore Council which establishes a set of basic principles for resource sharing and management so that fish harvesters present a united front to government instead of being constantly divided by fleet sector: THE FISHERY OF THE FUTURE.
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John Efford holds a press conference where he urges Ottawa to recognize the severity of harp seal predation on cod and other groundfish stocks and releases video footage of dead cod in Bonavista Bay with livers ripped out.

Presentations made during the FRCC's annual consultation meeting offers conflicting reports, based on the same data, highlighting the continuing debate within the science community. DFO scientist George Lilly and former DFO scientist, George Winters, hired by the FFAW, present different conclusions.

Minister Anderson asks the FRCC to defer its recommendations to allow for a scientific peer review of George Winters' findings.

John Efford applauds the FRCC's recommendations to DFO to reduce the seal herds by up to 50 per cent of their current population levels and to increase the 3Ps quota of cod stock from 20,000 tonnes to 30,000 tonnes: 1999 CONSERVATION REQUIREMENTS FRCC.99.R.1
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Peer review of cod stock report by George Winters is completed: PEER REVIEW OF SOME ANALYSES OF THE STATUS OF NORTHERN COD CONDUCTED BY DR. G. WINTERS
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The FRCC submits its recommendation on 2J3KL stocks - a limited commercial fishery with a TAC for northern cod of between 6,000 and 9,000 tonnes. The report claims that deliberations were difficult due to inadequate scientific data. 1999 CONSERVATION REQUIREMENTS FOR 2J3KL COD
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Minister Anderson announces an increase in the TAC for cod in 3Ps to 30,000 tonnes from 20,000 tonnes, an increase in the TAC for 4RS3Pn to 7,500 tonnes from 3,000 and a new management cycle to facilitate an earlier start to fisheries.

Minister Anderson announces that he is lifting the 7 year old moratorium on the northern cod stock in 2J3KL in the interests of science. A limited commercial fishery for the inshore portion of 2J3KL with a TAC of 9,000 tonnes will take place in 2 phases, one in July and one in the Fall.

Recreational food fishery (hook and line only) runs for 3 days.

Herb Dhaliwal is appointed Minister of Fisheries and Oceans.

Canada ratifies the United Nations Fisheries Agreement (UNFA), also known as the Straddling Stocks Convention. The Agreement has now been ratified by 23 countries, with 30 parties required to come into force.

George Baker (ACOA) and Premier Tobin sign the three-year $81.25 million Economic Development Component of the Fisheries Adjustment and Restructuring Initiative.

2nd weekend for recreational food fishery (hook and line only).

George Baker (ACOA) and Premier Tobin announce a $10 million Fisheries Diversification Program as part of the $81.25 million Economic Development Component of the Fisheries Adjustment and Restructuring Initiative.

3rd weekend for recreational food fishery (hook and line only).

FRCC recommends that the TAC for the south coast (3Ps) be cut by one-third from 30,000 tonnes to 20,000 tonnes. It is concerned with the increased concentration of the fishery in Placentia Bay, the shift towards gillnets and the focus on the 1989 and 1990 year classes. CONSERVATION REQUIREMENTS - FRCC.2000.R.1
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Minister Dhaliwal and John Efford sign a Memorandum of Understanding that will increase cooperation and coordination between the two governments in the development of emerging fisheries.

DFO announces the closure of Placentia Bay to commercial cod fishing in order to protect spawning cod.

Dept. of Fisheries and Aquaculture hosts Fisheries Forum 2000 to examine the issues of sustainability and viability in the province's fishing industry. SUMMARY OF PROCEEDINGS
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Minister Dhaliwal announces a reduction in the TAC for the south coast (3Ps) fishery to 20,000 tonnes from last year's 30,000 tonnes in order to address poor recruitment and a decline in spawning stock biomass.

FRCC recommends that the TAC for cod stocks along the west and southwest coasts (4RS3Pn) be reduced to 7,000 tonnes from 7,500 tonnes. One concern was the possible impact of oil and gas activity on fish stocks in the Gulf of St. Lawrence. 2000/2001 CONSERVATION REQUIREMENTS - FRCC.2000.R.3
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DFO scientists release the stock status report for northern cod and state that the stock shows little signs of recovery. The offshore areas have an estimated three per cent of the cod present in the 1980s. The biomass is estimated at 60,000 tonnes.

FRCC recommends that the TAC for northern cod be reduced to 7,000 from 9,000 tonnes. It also recommends the establishment of "seal exclusion zones". 2000/2001 CONSERVATION REQUIREMENTS - FRCC.00.R.4
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Minister Dhaliwal announces a reduction in the TAC for northern cod from 9,000 tonnes to 7,000 tonnes. The fishery will be considered an index fishery with the objective of providing scientists with additional information on the stock. It will take place in 2 phases - July and early Fall. The sentinel fishery and the food fishery will continue as well.

Food fishery takes place.

Food fishery takes place.

Food fishery takes place.

Fish harvesters on the south side of Bonavista Bay call for the cancellation of the food fishery in 2001 in light of the current TAC reduction.

DFO releases a discussion document that indicates a major overhaul of fishery management is long overdue. It admits the structure is too paternalistic and that a definition of conservation needs to be developed. THE MANAGEMENT OF FISHERIES ON CANADA'S ATLANTIC COAST: A DISCUSSION DOCUMENT ON POLICY DIRECTION AND PRINCIPLES
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Gerry Reid is appointed Minister of Fisheries and Aquaculture.

FRCC recommends that the cod quota in 3Ps off the south coast be cut from 20,000 to 15,000 tonnes for the next 2 seasons and urged strict limits on the use of gill nets and a crackdown on the amount of fish being discarded or dumped at sea. 2001 CONSERVATION REQUIREMENTS FOR GROUNDFISH STOCKS IN SUB-AREAS 0, 2 + 3 (FRCC.2001.R.2)

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Minister Dhaliwal cuts the TAC for 3Ps cod to 15,000 as recommended by the FRCC.

DFO's stock status report for northern cod indicates dismal shape - the 2J and 3KL cod spawner biomass remains at an extremely low level and there is no evidence of a recovery. It puts the biomass at not more than 77,000 tonnes and predation by harp seals is estimated at 37,000 tonnes, almost half of that.

Angry fishermen, frustrated over hints that DFO plans to allow a recreational food fishery for a longer period , hijack the FRCC meeting in Clarenville. DFO commits to meet with fishermen.

FRCC recommends that a 7,000 tonne quota in the Gulf of St. Lawrence be maintained. 2001/2002 CONSERVATION REQUIREMENTS - FRCC.2001.R.3
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DFO asks for feedback on the Marine Recreational Licence Program, a pilot project that proposes a new system of licences and tags to replace the annual two weekend food fishery.

FRCC recommends that the TAC for northern cod be reduced for a second year in a row, this time from 7,000 to 5,600 tonnes in 2J3KL. It also recommends only sentinel and index fisheries be prosecuted in 3KL - with sentinel fisheries only in 2J - and does not support a recreational fishery there. 2001/2002 CONSERVATION REQUIREMENTS - FRCC.2001.R.5
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DFO announces that the TAC for the Gulf of St. Lawrence will remain at 7,000 tonnes.

Minister Dhaliwal announces the creation and membership of the Independent Panel on Access Criteria. Its report will contribute to the development and implementation of a policy framework for the long-term, sustainable management of Atlantic fisheries.

DFO announces the Atlantic Recreational Fishing Licence Program which will run until September 19 and require participants to purchase licences based on the tag system replacing the previous food fishery structure. Individuals who pay $10 can obtain 30 tags, providing access to a maximum of 30 cod over the entire season.

DFO announces the TAC for northern cod is reduced to 5,600 tonnes and will be in place for the next three years. It will be an index fishery that will continue to be monitored closely.

DFO introduces a mandatory gillnet tagging program in the Newfoundland region, believing that it will reduce concerns over lost or abandoned nets, excessive numbers of nets in use, and the use of illegal mesh sizes.

Gerry Reid announces the establishment of the Special Panel on Corporate Concentration in the Fishing Industry, chaired by Les Dean.

The Special Panel on Corporate Concentration in the Fishing Industry releases its report. Some of its recommendations include a legislative review and revision of the Fish Inspection Act, the creation of an arm's length Fish Processing Licensing Board, and increased efforts into fisheries policy integration with the establishment of a Canada/Newfoundland and Labrador Fisheries Policy Co-ordination Council. REPORT
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Robert Thibault is appointed Minister of Fisheries and Oceans.

FRCC recommends that the TAC for 3Ps be frozen at 15,000 tonnes for the 2002-2003 season.

NAFO members ignore several Canadian conservation proposals, including a restriction on the depth under which the turbot fishery would be conducted to protect other endangered species such as cod. The Canadian delegation showed evidence of widespread recent infractions by Russian, Portuguese and other European fleets, including the use of small-mesh nets and the catching of prohibited species, such as cod.

The REPORT of the Independent Panel on Access Criteria (IPAC) is released. Reid is pleased that the panel recommends adjacency be the highest priority factor for determining access to fisheries resources, followed by historical participation and economic viability. But he takes issue with the Panel's definition of adjacency. The panel's view is that the farther you move offshore, the less influence adjacency should have in access decisions. The province argues that waters should be treated as adjacent all the way to the 200 mile limit.
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FRCC recommends that the TAC for the cod stock in the northern Gulf of St. Lawrence (4R) be maintained at 7,000 tonnes. (FRCC.2002.R.2)
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Minister Thibault accepts all of the TAC levels recommended by the FRCC for the year 2002, which will all be rolled over from last year.

FRCC warns DFO that the recreational cod fishery is hindering the recovery of the northern cod stock and recommends that it reduce the number of licences sold, restrict them geographically and reduce the number of fish individuals can catch.

A Parliamentary Standing Committee on Fisheries presents a report to Minister Thibault which says Canada should pull out of NAFO and extend custodial jurisdiction over the bit of continental shelf which lies just beyond Canada's 200 mile limit. Thibault responds within 24 hours, saying he would not follow its recommendations. FOREIGN OVERFISHING: ITS IMPACTS AND SOLUTIONS
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Gerry Reid announces the establishment of a Provincial Advisory Council on Foreign Overfishing.

Provincial government marks 10th anniversary of the northern cod moratorium with the unveiling of a plaque in the Confederation Building.

DFO announces that it will allow the recreational food fishery to continue for another year, but at a reduced scale. The season is reduced to 6 weeks, Aug. 1-Sept. 15. DFO also announces that the TAC for northern cod will remain at 5,600 tonnes.

DFO extends the recreational food fishery to Sept. 22.

A non-partisan coalition led by provincial Tory leader Danny Williams sends a petition to Ottawa with 18,000 signatures calling for custodial management on the continental shelf outside the 200 mile limit.

Gerry Reid attends the 24th annual meeting of NAFO in Santiago de Compostela, Spain as an observer with the Canadian delegation and is angry that members vote for a 42,000 tonne turbot quota in spite of advice from its scientific council that a limit of 36,000 tonnes was needed to preserve the turbot. He states that NAFO is a completely ineffective organization for Newfoundland and Labrador.

Gerry Reid meets with officials from the World Wildlife Fund to discuss alternative approaches to the management of the fishery outside of Canada's 200 mile limit. Both parties agree that the current approach to fisheries management through NAFO is not working.

Minister Thibault accepts the IPAC recommendations despite the province's disagreement with the Panel's use of equity as an access principle, and on their definition of adjacency.

News that Ottawa may close down most of the remaining Atlantic cod fishery in March is leaked to the media causing an uproar in the province. The news comes before the FRCC has concluded their consultation meetings in preparation for their report to the Minister.

An All-Party Committee is formed in the House of Assembly and a resolution is passed in response to the potential closure of the 3Pn4RS and 2J3KL cod fisheries.

Minister Thibault meets with fisheries ministers and says that Ottawa is still gathering information and no decision has been made, either on a shutdown or compensation. More than 15,000 fishermen and plant workers in Quebec and Newfoundland could be affected.

FRCC recommends that the cod quota for 3Ps remain at 15,000 tonnes.

Yvonne Jones is appointed Minister of Fisheries and Aquaculture.

George Rose submits his report to the Royal Commission on Renewing and Strengthening Our Place in Canada which recommends that the province should have its own fish science program. More specifically, that Memorial University should establish an academically-based Newfoundland and Labrador Fusheries Science Centre. FISHERIES RESOURCES AND SCIENCE IN NEWFOUNDLAND AND LABRADOR; AN INDEPENDENT ASSESSMENT
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The Federal and Provincial All-Party Committee presents its report on 2J3KL and 3Pn4RS cod fisheries to Minister Thibault. It presents alternatives to full closure of the cod fisheries such as reducing the seal population, improving fisheries science, sustainable fishing practices and improved enforcement of fisheries management regulations. STABILITY, SUSTAINABILITY AND PROSPERITY: CHARTING A FUTURE FOR NORTHERN AND GULF COD STOCKS
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House of Commons Standing Committee on Fisheries and Oceans once again urges Ottawa to take over management of fisheries in international waters off Newfoundland, a recommendation that was rejected in June. CUSTODIAL MANAGEMENT OUTSIDE CANADA'S 200-MILE LIMIT
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FRCC recommends a reduction in TAC to 3,500 from 7,000 tonnes in the northern Gulf of St. Lawrence.

FRCC releases its report on 2J3KL stocks and recommends a reduction in the sentinel fishery to 1,500 tonnes, no east coast recreational cod fishery, no capelin fishery, the creation of seal exclusion zones and the development of inshore councils with direct involvement in fisheries matters. 2003/2004 CONSERVATION REQUIREMENTS
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DFO announces that the TAC for cod in the 3Ps zone will remain at 15,000 tonnes.

The Fisheries Recovery Action Committee chaired by Fred Winsor, presents its wide-ranging proposal, the 3L Eco-Zone, to Minister Thibault, urging him to revive harvesting practices that sustained the industry for hundreds of years.

Tens of thousands of cod are found dead in Smith Sound, Trinity Bay. Scientists conclude that colder than normal water in Smith Sound was the reason.

Minister Thibault announces the closure of the cod fishery in 2J3KL and 3Pn4RS and the closure of the food fishery in the province. The south coast (3Ps) fishery will remain open. The compensation plan is a $50 million, four-part action plan which will see $44 million go towards short-term job creation in the next 2 years.
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COSEWIC designates several cod stocks, including northern cod (2J3KL), as endangered, and the Laurentian North cod population, including the south coast (3Ps) and northern Gulf of St. Lawrence (3Pn4RS) stocks, as threatened. ASSESSMENT AND UPDATE STATUS REPORT
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A public rally is held in Port aux Basques in protest against the closure of the cod fisheries. It follows a week of protests involving closure of highways and occupation of DFO offices.

Premier Grimes tables a resolution that calls for federal-provincial negotiations that would lead to establishing a joint management regime over fisheries adjacent to Newfoundland and Labrador.

House of Assembly unanimously passes a resolution seeking negotiations between the province and the Government of Canada on the establishment of a joint management regime for fisheries. To ensure that both governments enter into this new arrangement as equal partners, the resolution also seeks changes to the Terms of Union that would provide the province with shared jurisdiction over fisheries in waters adjacent to Newfoundland and Labrador.

Premier Grimes releases the WHITE PAPER ON JOINT FISHERIES MANAGEMENT. It proposes establishing a Canada-Newfoundland and Labrador Fisheries Management Board.
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DFO announces a Temporary Fisheries Income (TFI) program for fishers and plant workers who have exhausted their EI benefits following the closure of the three cod fisheries. The program will be in place from April 27 to Sept. 6, 2003.

Canada, along with Greenland, Iceland, the Faroe Islands, the Russian Federation and Norway sign on to an agreement that will allow fisheries officers to take action against rogue vessels suspected of overfishing.

Minister Thibault announces a 3 year, $500,000 collaborative science initiative in the northern Gulf and the continuation of the groundfish sentinel fishery in the Gulf.

The Senate Standing Committee on Fisheries and Oceans releases its report STRADDLING FISH STOCKS IN THE NORTHWEST ATLANTIC. It recommends that the Coastal State be accorded greater say in the decision making on stocks which straddle its 200-mile exclusive economic zone.
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DFO announces that a recreational groundfish fishery will run from Aug. 1 to Sept. 15 in 3Ps. The number of cod a person is permitted to catch is reduced to 15.

Minister Thibault announces a 3 year, $545,000 collaborative research initiative in southern and eastern Newfoundland and Labrador. The program will complement the Groundfish Sentinel Program.

Gerry Byrne announces changes to the transitional fishery income (TFI) program making funds accessible to more fishermen and plant workers affected by April's closure of the cod fishery.

The Federal and Newfoundland governments agree to work jointly on a "rebuilding and recovery" program for cod. The Canada-Newfoundland and Labrador (NL) Action Team for Cod Recovery is created with a mandate to develop a stock recovery and long-term management strategy for the four major cod stocks adjacent to the province of Newfoundland and Labrador.

Trevor Taylor becomes Minister of Fisheries and Aquaculture.

The FRCC recommends that the TAC for 2004/2005 for 3Ps cod remain at 15,000 tonnes. (FRCC.2004.R.1) 
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The United Nations Fishing Agreement comes into effect, giving Canada the right to board foreign fishing vessels outside its 200-mile offshore limit.

Minister Taylor announces that the provincial government will abide by the recommendations to overhaul the fish processing industry as given in the FINAL REPORT of the Fish Processing Policy Review Commission chaired by Eric Dunne. 
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DFO and DND announce plans to improve sea-patrol information sharing and to increase fisheries patrolling on the Nose and Tail of the Grand Banks.

The Fisheries Recovery Action Committee calls for a ban on gillnet fishing in 3Ps and a return to a hand-line fishery as well as the adoption of a gillnet retrieval program to reduce "ghost" fishing.

Former FRCC chair, Fred Woodman, says Minister Regan is making a mistake to not ask the Council to provide advice on 2J3KL cod for 2004.

Minister Regan announces that additional funding will go to Coast Guard patrols in an effort to protect stocks from foreign overfishing. The funding will reactivate the CCGS Cygnus, a patrol vessel based in Dartmouth. A contract is renewed with Provincial Airlines for increased aerial surveillance.

MP Loyola Hearn's private member's bill (M-136) to extend custodial management on the Nose and Tail of the Grand Banks and on the Flemish Cap is passed in the House of Commons (124 in favour, 95 against).

DFO releases the first phase of their new policy framework for the Atlantic fishery, known as Atlantic Fisheries Policy review. WHAT WE HEARD 
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Minister Regan announces that there will be no commercial cod fishery in 2J3KL in 2004 and asks DFO to work with the industry to develop a practical plan for the management of cod bycatch in the areas.

Minister Regan follows the FRCC's recommendation that the TAC for cod in 3Ps remain at 15,000 tonnes.

The FRCC recommends that limits for cod be set at 3,500 tonnes in the northern part of the Gulf and 3,000 tonnes in the southern area. It does not recommend a recreational cod fishery. 
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Minister Regan announces that he has accepted FRCC's recommendation for a harvest of 3,500 tonnes in the Northern Gulf (3Pn4RS).

Minister Regan announces that the Gulf commercial fishery will reopen on July 15th, adopting the same measures that were in place in 2002. Both gillnets and hook and line gear are permitted. A recreational cod fishery will not take place.

A recreational cod fishery is announced for 3Ps from Aug. 1 to Sept. 15. Licenses are limited to one person with 15 tags each.

Landings of cod during the commercial Gulf fishery exceed all expectations with too much to handle in a short time. Fish is trucked off the Peninsula for processing.

Minister Regan announces that there will be no commercial or recreational fishery in 2J3KL in the Fall.

Minister Taylor requests that the federal government not place the cod stocks adjacent to Newfoundland and Labrador on the list of the Species at Risk Act. Public consultations are held to get feedback on COSEWIC's proposed designation of cod in divisions 4RS3Pn and 3Ps as "threatened" and divisions 2GH, 2J3KL and NO as "endangered".

Minister Regan announces a new advisory panel on the management of straddling fish stocks in the northwest Atlantic. The panel will be chaired by Art May.

DFO scientist Dr. John Brattey says that the 3Ps cod stock is doing well relative to other cod stocks in Atlantic Canada. 1997 and 1998 were strong spawning years and these fish are now commercial size and a good size for gill nets.

A two day workshop chaired by Eric Dunne on cod recovery is held in St. John's. Participants agree that any recovery in the waters off Newfoundland is, at best, limited.

A group of experts in the fishery, economic development and the environment combine to launch a volunteer institute that will focus on ideas to renew and sustain the fishery: The Fisheries Institute for North Atlantic Islands Inc.

Ottawa releases a DRAFT of a national plan of action to prevent, deter and eliminate illegal, unreported and unregulated fishing. It outlines Canada's existing actions and initiatives at the national level to combat illegal fishing practices. 
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Minister Taylor announces a new five member Fish Processing Licensing Board to be chaired by Richard Cashin.

DFO commits to permanent funding in its budget to enhance its enforcement and surveillance program of fish straddling the 200-mile limit.

Loyola Hearn, Conservative Alliance opposition fisheries critic and member of the Parliamentary Standing Committee on Fisheries, says that competition from China has and will continue to have a detrimental effect on the province's fish industry.

Public meetings are held by the Action Team on Cod Recovery to discuss rebuilding the Atlantic cod stocks.

Hundreds of fish plant workers protest at all six MP offices and the west coast office of the Premier to demand changes to the employment insurance program and a new early retirement package.

Federal government allocates an extra $20 million over the next 3 years on initiatives to help combat overfishing and strengthen international fisheries governance.

The Fisheries Recovery Action Committee, the Ecology Action Centre and Living Oceans Society host a conference in St. John's and Petty Harbour which focuses on fishing gear and associated fishing technologies: Gearshift: a call for healthy fisheries at home and on the high seas.

DFO hosts an international fisheries conference in St. John's: The Governance of High Seas Fisheries and the UN Fish Agreement - MOVING WORDS INTO ACTION. More than 45 nations are represented. 
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Minister Taylor delivers keynote at the conference and touts custodial management as a way to aid coastal states to conserve and protect stocks while respecting the traditional shares of other nations.

Ottawa announces a limited cod fishery for the Gulf of St. Lawrence with a TAC of 5,000 tonnes. The 2005 TAC for the cod fishery in 3Ps is set at 15,000 tonnes. New measures will see the implementation of a mobile gear re-entry strategy and regional shares for fixed gear fleets.

DFO announces a recreational cod fishery for 3Ps from August 1 to September 15. Licenses are limited to one person with 15 tags each.

Minister Taylor renews call for the federal government to introduce parity in the recreational cod fishery in Atlantic Canada and calls for an end to the recreational groundfish licence program in NL.

Hundreds of recreational fishers stage a protest fishery organized by the Citizens Outdoor Rights Alliance to protest Ottawa's refusal to allow a recreational and commercial cod fishery on the north east coast.

Another protest recreational fishery takes place, led by The Rural Rights and Boat Owner's Association.

The REPORT of the Advisory Panel on the Sustainable Management of Straddling Fish Stocks is released. It concludes that NAFO has failed and recommends the federal government act to replace NAFO with a new Regional Fisheries Management Organization (RFMO). 
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Members of NAFO agree to reform the organization and improve management of the fisheries outside Canada's 200-mile limit. As a result of a joint proposal by Canada and the European Union, a working committee will consider reform areas such as restructuring the organization, implementing an ecosystem-based approach to fisheries management, changing how disputes between members are resolved, and ensuring that the use of the objection procedure does not negatively affect conservation.

Tom Rideout becomes provincial Minister of Fisheries and Aquaculture.

A Federal-Provincial Strategy for the Recovery and Management of Cod Stocks is released with reports from NL, Quebec and the Maritimes. The plans are a result of two years of consultations with harvesters, processors and other stakeholders. 
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A Parliamentary Standing Committee made up of MPs from all federal p arties, tables a report called: NORTHERN COD: A FAILURE OF CANADIAN FISHERIES MANAGEMENT. The committee suggests reopening an inshore commercial fishery, but reopening on a bay-by-bay basis, with historical attachment to the resource taken into account. 
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Federal Minister Regan announces that the federal government will not recommend Atlantic cod be added to the Species at Risk Act and listed as an endangered species.

Memorial University and the Newfoundland & Labrador Centre for Health Information release a study: COMMUNITY RESILIENCE IN NEWFOUNDLAND: the impact of the cod moratorium on health and social well-being. 
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A REPORT is released by the Great Northern Peninsula Fisheries Task Force which offers 44 recommendations to revitalize the fishery. 
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Loyola Hearn becomes Canada's new fisheries minister.

Minister Hearn releases the HIGH SEAS TASK FORCE REPORT which recommends the establishment of a sanctioning model the Northwest Atlantic Fisheries Organization could adopt as a means of punishing illegal fishing offenders. 
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Chairpersons of 20 regional economic development boards make a recommendation for government to establish an index fishery on the east coast.

Memorial University's Harris Centre hosts a forum called FISHERIES POLICY AND RURAL REVITALIZATION: an Integrated Approach, in conjunction with the Long Range Economic Development Board and Marine and the Mountain Zone Corporation. 
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DFO announces a reduction in the TAC for 3Ps cod from 15,000 to 13,000 tonnes.

A fisheries summit is held in St. John's with about 50 presentations made from various stakeholders to Premier Williams, federal Minister Loyola Hearn and provincial Minister Tom Rideout.

Minister Hearn announces the reopening of a small-scale, inshore commercial fishery in 2J3KL in his Northern Cod Science and Fisheries Stewardship Initiative. Up to 2,300 commercial fishermen will each be allowed to catch 1,350 kilograms of northern cod within Canada's 12-mile inshore zone over a three week period. It will be a one year pilot project and $1.2 million will be spent on migration and mortality studies, scientific sampling and a survey of the project. The Northern Gulf TAC was increased by 1,000 tonnes to 6,000 tonnes.

Minister Hearn also announces that there will be a food fishery for Newfoundland but without tags or licences. The daily bag limit is 5 cod per person, with a total catch of 15 per boat.

Minister Rideout, Chair of the Cabinet Committee on Fisheries Issues, announces a framework to assist plant workers and regions impacted by fish plant closures.

DFO announces that the dates for the recreational groundfish fishery will be from Aug. 1 to Sept. 4 and will not require the purchase of licences or tags.

The World Wildlife Fund releases a report on HIGH SEAS REFORM that states that NAFO must immediately devise a recovery plan for threatened cod stocks on the nose and tail of the Grand Banks because fishing bans alone have failed. 
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New reforms are adopted at the annual meeting of NAFO. One strengthens the objection procedure, forcing NAFO countries to obey quota restrictions instead of using their own, and the other requires member countries to force any vessel cited for violations to return to port.

DFO decides to not sanction a moratorium on bottom trawling in international waters.

Premier Williams releases the FISHING INDUSTRY RENEWAL INITIATIVE DISCUSSION PAPER which resulted after work completed by the industry - government subcommittees that were established following the fisheries summit in May. A five-week public consultation period will start Oct. 30th. 
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DFO scientist John Brattey reports that the two offshore and two inshore surveys conducted in the 2006 fishery show an inconsistent pattern between the amount of juvenile cod in the offshore and inshore sectors. There is concern with the low number of young cod being produced in the 3Ps cod stock. But fish harvesters report that the stock is healthy.

Loyola Sullivan becomes Canada's new fisheries ambassador.

A report is released by the Senate Standing Committee on Fisheries and Oceans chaired by Senator William Rompkey that says proposed NAFO reforms are seriously flawed: THE MANAGEMENT OF ATLANTIC FISH STOCKS BEYOND THE 200 MILE LIMIT. 
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Minister Hearn defends Bill C-45, which is aimed at modernizing the 139-year-old Fisheries Act and says it would give the fisheries minister more clout to enforce regulations. There is strong opposition from environmental groups, some fishermen and the NDP, who say that the legislation would erode protections for fish stocks and allow greater concentration of the resources in fewer hands. Scott Simms, fisheries critic for the Liberals, introduces a hoist motion , delaying debate on the bill for six months.

Following months of consultation, the federal and provincial governments announce the outcomes of the FISHING INDUSTRY RENEWAL INITIATIVE and introduce measures that will fundamentally change the Newfoundland and Labrador fishery.

DFO releases its 2007 stock assessment for cod in 2J3KL and concludes that very few fish are surviving to the age of five years on the offshore. It recommends that a moratorium be continued for directed cod fishing on the offshore.

DFO announces a three-week northern cod fishery for all areas within 2J3KL under the Northern Cod Science and Fisheries Stewardship program. It gives inshore fishermen individual quotas of 2,500 pounds. They can catch the fish in two, three-week seasons - one opens on July 2 and the other opens sometime after Sept. 7.

DFO announces that the food fishery is set for three weeks starting July 30th and another nine days beginning Sept. 29th. No tags or licences are required. There is a daily limit of five fish per person and a boat limit of 15 fish when three or more people are in that boat.

Minister Hearn claims that significant changes to NAFO's convention at its annual meeting re-affirm Canada's complete sovereignty within the 200 mile limit.

Minister Hearn tables a new Fisheries Act, Bill C-32, in the House of Commons. Proposed changes include affirming fisheries as a common property resource ; removing the authority to allocate fish within a fisheries management agreement; making conservation the primary consideration in licensing and allocations ; and taking out any wording in the act that would cast doubt on licence transfers. The previous attempt, Bill C-45 died on the order paper in September.

Noted scientist George Rose publishes his book COD: THE ECOLOGICAL HISTORY OF THE NORTH ATLANTIC FISHERIES. 
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DFO scientists say that an assessment of cod stocks on the south coast shows no clear trends and are unable to say how continued fishing could impact stocks. Fish harvesters ask for an increase in TAC from 13,000 tonnes to 14,500 tonnes in 3Ps.

DFO announces that the quota for the Northern Cod Stewardship Program in 2J3KL will increase by 30 per cent over last year, to 3,250 pounds per licence.

DFO announces that the food fishery is set for three weeks starting July 23rd and another week beginning Sept. 27th. No tags or licences are required. There is a daily limit of five fish per person and a boat limit of 15 fish when three or more people are in that boat.

Commercial fishery in 2J3KL begins and will last 4 weeks. Fisherman voted for fall fishery rather than 2 week summer fishery.

Acting Fisheries and Aquaculture Minister, Trevor Taylor, says that while some modest gains were achieved at NAFO 2008, the outcomes demonstrate the need for the Federal Government to provide a system of custodial management.

Gail Shea is appointed the federal Minister of Fisheries and Oceans.

Tom Hedderson becomes provincial Minister of Fisheries and Aquaculture.

A panel of fish scientists from DFO, Memorial University, the United Kingdom and Norway advise keeping the same fishing activity as 2008 along eastern and northern Newfoundland (2J3KL) and the north Gulf of St. Lawrence (3Pn4RS). They recommend the TAC off the south coast (3Ps) be reduced to 10,000 tonnes from 13,000. Recommendations from this Zonal Advisory Process will be considered for 2009 management plans.

DFO's assessment of northern cod stocks warns that the amount of cod fished inshore has a direct impact on the overall biomass and continued recovery in the offshore. But Dr. Brattey does say that the biomass of northern cod is growing and there's reason to be hopeful for recovery.

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The federal government tables the revised NAFO Convention.

Minister Tom Hedderson and the provincial government reach an agreement with the FFAW and Association of Seafood Producers regarding the long-term development of the fishing industry. All parties agree to a memorandum of understanding (MOU). Working groups are established to address key areas. 
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Recreational fishery begins for 3 weeks. The Fall season will be from Sept. 26 to Oct. 4.

Opposition to the revised NAFO Convention grows with pressure to vote it down from MP Gerry Byrne, Premier Williams and a group of retired DFO staff.

Loyola Sullivan, Canada's Ambassador for Fisheries Conservation, defends the proposed changes to the NAFO Convention, saying that it doesn't give up sovereignty rights and it significantly enhances the management of fisheries around the world.

NAFO makes decision to allow international fishing fleets to fish cod on the Flemish Cap for the first time in 10 years. The TAC is set at 5,500 tonnes.

The House of Commons Standing Committee on Fisheries and Oceans recommends that the Government of Canada not ratify the amendments to the NAFO convention and that Canada notify NAFO of its objection to the amendments.

Clyde Jackman becomes provincial Minister of Fisheries and Aquaculture.

The federal government ratifies changes to the NAFO convention despite criticism.

A winter fishery opens off western Newfoundland in 4RS3Pn using quotas left over from the fall fishery.

COSEWIC lists four populations of Atlantic cod, including the Newfoundland and Labrador population, as endangered. It states that cod populations have declined by more than 90 per cent since the 1960s.

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DFO reduces TAC of cod on the west and southwest coast of the province by more than 40 per cent from 7,000 tonnes to 4,000 tonnes.

DFO announces that the recreational cod fishery will take place for three weeks starting July 24th and 1 week in the fall from Sept. 25th to Oct. 3rd. It also announces a stewardship fishery in 2J3KL with a rollover quota from 2009 of 3,750 pounds per licence holder.

Premier Williams announces substantial investments to expand long-term fisheries science capabilities for the province. This includes $11.75 million for a Centre for Fisheries Ecosystems Research at Memorial University's Fisheries and Marine Institute and also for the charter of the RV Celtic Explorer to conduct sophisticated fisheries research. Dr. George Rose is appointed director of the Centre. Another $2 million is allocated to the Canadian Centre for Fisheries Innovation, for its operations and to carry out applied fisheries and aquaculture research. As well, $200,000 is allocated for the RV GECHO II inshore research vessel.

The latest stock assessment of 3Ps shows positive signs of recovery. It reports that there are 50 million more cod in the bay than 2 years before. The biomass is nearing 57,450 tonnes, significantly higher than 2008, when it was estimated at 20,525.

Minister Jackman releases the REPORT OF THE INDEPENDENT CHAIR: MOU STEERING COMMITTEE. The report was chaired by Professor Tom Clift of Memorial University's Faculty of Business Administration. It provides a comprehensive financial analysis of the province's fishing industry and presents an overview of the current state of both the harvesting and processing sectors. It recommends the province spend $450 million to buy out harvesting and processing licences to help remake the fishery as a self-sustaining, international competitor. 
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An hour after Minister Jackman releases the MOU STEERING COMMITTEE REPORT, he rejects the recommendations and says the government won't act on them. He says that when the province signed a memorandum of understanding in July 2009 with fish harvesters and processors, the provincial government was looking for ways to restructure the fishery, not just downsize it.

Minister Jackson allots $50,000 in funding toward a cod stock identification project led by Dr. George Rose of CFER.

Keith Ashfield becomes Minister of Fisheries and Oceans.

DFO announces that the dates for the recreational groundfish fishery are July 23 to August 14th and Sept. 24th to Oct. 2nd. Management measures will be the same as in 2010.

Minister Jackman announces that the provincial government is accepting all seafood marketing proposals in the MOU Steering Committee Report.

MP Ryan Cleary formally asks the federal auditor general for an inquiry into federal management of the Newfoundland and Labrador fishery.

MP Ryan Cleary announces that he will introduce a private member's bill in the fall calling for an inquiry into northern cod stocks. He makes the announcement in the same room at the hotel where the cod moratorium was announced in 1992.

The Fisheries Resource Conservation Council (FRCC) releases a report entitled: TOWARDS RECOVERED AND SUSTAINABLE GROUNDFISH FISHERIES IN EASTERN CANADA. The report provides guidance for promoting the recovery of groundfish stocks (with an emphasis on cod) in Eastern Canada and the rebuilding of sustainable fisheries based on those stocks. It is the result of 27 consultation sessions held throughout the Atlantic provinces. 
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MP Ryan Cleary tables his private member's bill in the House of Commons: An Act Respecting a Commission of Inquiry into the Development and Implementation of a National Fishery Rebuilding Strategy for Fish Stocks off the Coast of Newfoundland and Labrador. Short-title: Newfoundland and Labrador Fishery Rebuilding Act. 
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DFO cuts funding to the FRCC.

Darin King becomes provincial Minister of Fisheries and Aquaculture.

MP Ryan Cleary's bill The Newfoundland and Labrador Fishery Rebuilding Act, is voted down (158 to 115) in the House of Commons.

Professor Jeffrey Hutchings from Dalhousie University, chair of the Royal Society of Canada, releases a report entitled: SUSTAINING CANADA'S MARINE BIODIVERSITY: RESPONDING TO THE CHALLENGES POSED BY CLIMATE CHANGE, FISHERIES AND AQUACULTURE. It outlines Canada's poor record in protecting fish stocks by not adopting science-based targets. It recommends reducing the powers of the federal Minister of Fisheries and Oceans and updating the Fisheries Act. 

DFO releases a discussion paper entitled THE FUTURE OF CANADA'S COMMERCIAL FISHERIES which contends that a new fisheries management system, based on the principles of stability, sustainability and transparency, can realize greater economic benefits and ensure long-term sustainability and ocean health. 
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Minister King freezes funding to the FFAW, citing the union's criticism of the provincial government as driving the decision.

Provincial cabinet ministers form a ministerial committee to focus on communities affected by downturns in the fishing sector, in particular, those with fish plant closures. The chair of the Ministerial Committee on Fisheries Issues is Darin King.

DFO announces the Summer recreational fishery will run from July 21^st. to August 12^th. and the Fall dates are September 22 - 30^th.

Minister King is joined by Lieutenant Governor, John Crosbie as well as industry, union and community representatives to mark the 20 year anniversary of the northern cod moratorium. The ceremony of reflection takes place at East Block, Confederation Building.

Ray Johnson of the organization Community Linkages and Fred Windsor of the Sierra Club of Canada call for DFO to consider "no-take" fishing zones where large parts of the ocean are closed off to commercial fishing in order to rebuild fish stocks and develop environmentally sustainable community fisheries.

Dr. George Rose says that there are clear signals that cod stocks are in better health, especially in the Bonavista corridor, where the fish have increased in number and in size.

Cod 017 is the first cod to be caught equipped with a Microwave Telemetry X-tag inserted by scientists at CFER. The satellite tag provides information on the marine conditions where the cod exists, where the cod migrates and the depth of the water they travel in.  
 

A public policy forum entitled "What is the Future of the Inshore Fishery?" is held at Memorial University and organized by Geography professor, Ratana Chuenpagdee. The event aims to compare current management issues in the province's inshore fishery with experiences in other jurisdictions as represented by panelists from Mexico, Sri Lanka, Norway, and South Africa. 
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Derrick Dalley replaces Darin King as the provincial Minister of Fisheries and Aquaculture.

DFO announces that inshore fishermen along the province’s east and northeast coasts will be assigned an individual quota (IQ) of 5,000 pounds of cod  round weight per license holder as part of the Stewardship Cod Fishery for the next three years (2013-2015).

DFO announces that the summer recreational fishery will be from July 20^th  to August 11^th and the Fall fishery will be from Sept. 21^st to Sept. 29^th. Fishermen are limited to five groundfish per day (including cod); the maximum boat limit when three or more people are fishing is 15 groundfish.

Gail Shea becomes Minister of Fisheries and Oceans for the second time.

NDP Fisheries and Aquaculture critic Christopher Mitchelmore calls for a pilot project similar to a North Sea trial that is looking at the ongoing concerns regarding the practice of high-grading which results in the wasteful discarding of fish at sea.

Keith Hutchings is appointed as Minister of Fisheries and Aquaculture.

Derrick Dalley, Minister of Natural Resources, Charlene Johnson, Minister of Innovation, Business and Rural Development, and Keith Hutchings, Minister of Fisheries and Aquaculture, announce benefits to Newfoundland and Labrador as a result of the Agreement-in-Principle related to the Canada-European Union Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement (CETA).
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Premier Dunderdale announces a $400 million federal-provincial fund that is tied to the new Canada-Europe free trade deal (expected to be ratified in 2015) that will support fishing industry enhancements.

A report completed by the University of Ottawa and Memorial University presents three case studies that highlight innovations in the harvesting and processing sectors of the inshore fishery and investigates both barriers and facilitators to innovations. EXPLORING INNOVATION IN THE INSHORE FISHERY IN NEWFOUNDLAND AND LABRADOR.

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DFO extends the cod fishing season for zone 3Ps. It was scheduled to close on March 1 but the extension means south coast cod will be fished during the spawning season.

Sociologist Barbara Neis calls for progressive thinking in the fishery and tourism sectors in a report that she co-authored with Rosemary Ommer for CURRA entitled MOVING FORWARD : BUILDING ECONOMICALLY, SOCIALLY AND ECOLOGICALLY RESILIENT FISHERIES AND COASTAL COMMUNITIES, A POLICY PAPER.
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George Rose, director of the Marine Institute’s Centre for Fisheries Ecosystems Research, says that their latest research shows a strong initial rebuilding of the northern cod along the northeast coast of the province.

DFO announces the dates of the 2014 recreational groundfish fishery: July 19 to Aug. 10 and Sept. 20 to Sept. 28. Fishing is not permitted in the Eastport and Gilbert Bay Marine Protected Areas. Fishers are limited to 5 groundfish per day with a maximum boat limit of 15 when 3 or more people are fishing. Participants are asked to look for DFO tags in each fish and to return  the tags, along with recapture information and their mailing address to claim tag rewards.

An experimental method for catching cod is proving successful in the Fogo Island area. The ‘cod pot’ was developed in 2007 at the Marine Institute. Cod fish swim into the baited pots, but are unable to swim back out. The design prevents damage to the ocean floor, as well as allows the fish to stay alive for several days in the cod pot.

The Dept. of Fisheries and Aquaculture releases a four year old report completed by Eric Dunne in which he recommends that people be allowed to buy fish directly from fishermen. REPORT OF THE REVIEW OF THE REGULATIONS AND POLICY FOR DIRECT FISH SALES IN NEWFOUNDLAND AND LABRADOR. Since hundreds of tonnes of cod are already being sold under the table, Dunne recommends that rules be put in place to make the whole situation legal. Minister Hutchings says a decision will be made in the Fall.
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Minister Shea extends the recreational cod fishery until Oct. 1^st.

Vaughn Granter is appointed minister of Fisheries and Aquaculture by Premier Paul Davis.

Keith Sullivan is named the new leader of the Fish, Food and Allied Workers Union after Earle McCurdy’s retirement on Nov. 3^rd.

Minister Shea announces a rebuilding plan for cod stocks off the south coast in conjunction with a 15 per cent increase in the TAC for the upcoming year.

Premier Davis, in response to questions from the opposition, indicates that discussions are still ongoing with the federal government concerning the $400 million fisheries fund tied to the Canada-Europe free trade deal.

DFO releases a fish science report that looks at the effect of warming oceans and the repercussions for the shrimp, crab and cod fisheries over the next three to five years. SHORT-TERM STOCK PROSPECTS FOR COD, CRAB AND SHRIMP IN THE NEWFOUNDLAND AND LABRADOR REGION (DIVISIONS 2J3KL). While shellfish numbers are declining, cod and caplin numbers are on the upswing.
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Premier Davis reconsiders support of EU trade deal if Ottawa insists on adding what he says are new conditions to a promised fishery fund for Newfoundland. Davis says Ottawa is trying to put a monetary value on minimum processing requirements and limit its funding commitment to the province by now proposing to split funds of up to $280 million among the Atlantic provinces.

Justice Minister Peter MacKay says that the $280 million was never meant to be a “slush fund”. Ottawa states that the deal has always outlined the province must be able to show demonstrable losses in order to access the fund, which would provide compensation for eliminating minimum processing requirements.

Darin King announces that the province is suspending support for CETA and all trade agreements currently being negotiated with the federal government.

DFO extends the commercial cod fishery in 3Ps until the end of March. DFO scientists will analyze the spawning condition of cod over that period and prepare advice on spawning times for the next stock assessment.

Disgruntled inshore fishermen from the south coast (zone 3Ps) meet with DFO officials to voice concern over the extension which allows large boats to fish on spawning aggregations of cod.

George Rose, director of the Centre for Fisheries Ecosystems Research states that despite hopeful signs of recovery, any lifting of a 23 year old commercial fishing moratorium is still a decade away.

A new Fisheries Improvement Project (FIP), led by FFAW-Unifor and WWF-Canada is created to bring the northern cod stock in 2J3KL back to a healthy level and eventual commercial viability. The FIP is a multi-step, multi-stakeholder initiative aiming to improve fishing practices and management to help the northern cod fishery rebuild and meet or succeed the Marine Stewardship Council certification for sustainable fisheries.

The FFAW says a test fishery should be set up in a fishing zone that stretches from Labrador to the Avalon Peninsula. Union president Keith Sullivan says a commercial cod fishery could be viable and sustainable.

FFAW union president, Keith Sullivan, announces that the cod stock in 3Ps could soon be certified under an international sustainable fisheries marketing program. The 3Ps cod fishery which has been involved in a Fishery Improvement Project (FIP) over the past three years is being evaluated by the Marine Stewardship Council standard for sustainable and well-managed fisheries.

Business minister Darin King says that the province will support CETA and resume its place in other negotiations but will keep minimum processing rules that could trigger penalties under a free trade deal with Europe.

DFO announces the dates for the 2015 summer recreational groundfish fishery : July 18 to August 9, 2015 with a fall fishery from Sept. 19 to Sept. 27, 2015. Fishing is not permitted in the Eastport and Gilbert Bay Marine Protected Areas. Fishers are limited to 5 groundfish per day with a maximum boat limit of 15 when 3 or more people are fishing. Participants are asked to look for DFO tags in each fish and to return the tags, along with recapture information and their mailing address to claim tag rewards.

George Rose, director of the Centre for Fisheries Ecosystems Research states that while the cod stocks are rebounding, it would be helpful if people in the food fishery would throw back the massive fish that are caught as they can produce millions of eggs.

The Dept. of Fisheries and Aquaculture announces changes to the Fish Inspection Act and Food Premises Act to allow direct selling of fish from harvesters to individual consumers as well as restaurants. Restaurants can buy a restricted license with a $50 annual fee to allow them to buy fish directly from harvesters, to a maximum of 300 pounds per species a week.

George Rose and Sherrylynn Rowe co-author a study NORTHERN COD COMEBACK published in the Canadian Journal of Fisheries and Aquatic Sciences that shows a slow but steady comeback of the northern cod. Acoustic surveys indicate that the fish are getting bigger and more plentiful after 23 years of a fishing moratorium. Rose estimates that the biomass has increased from tens of thousands of tonnes to more than 200 thousand tonnes within the last decade. Larger concentrations of fish were also found in more northerly areas. The cod rebound parallels increases in the abundance of its key food source, capelin. Rose suggests that with continued growth in the capelin stock and frugal management, the stock could rebuild within a decade to historical levels of sustainable yield. 

Hunter TooToo becomes Minister of Fisheries and Oceans.

Steve Crocker becomes provincial Minister of Fisheries and Aquaculture.

A new pilot program called Fogo Island Fish brings hand-line top quality cod directly to chefs and restaurants in Toronto. Thirty-three harvesters hand-line, bleed, gut and wash the fish at sea, then pack them on ice, all within five hours of the catch. About 500 or 600 pounds are caught per day. The cod are filleted once back on land and then frozen with sophisticated technology to bring the fish to market in the same condition as when it leaves the plant. Founders Tony Cobb and Janice Thomson see this process as the way forward for cod.

George Rose cautions the federal government about expanding the recreational groundfish fishery as there is no hard data on how the current food fishery affects northern cod stocks.

DFO’s latest science advisory report on the 3Ps cod stock assessment indicates that the stock is on a downward turn despite improved recruitment.
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Fish harvesters in NAFO subdivision 3Ps and FFAW union president Keith Sullivan gather in front of MP Judy Foote’s office in Grand Bank to protest a decision by DFO to extend the cod-fishing season in the area for offshore trawlers.

A report is released in the journal Science that urges policy makers around the world to start tracking every vessel on the planet. Senior author, Boris Worm, says the key to identifying vessels that are overfishing may be a satellite tracking system known as AIS, or automatic identification system. Worm says the transponders could send back thousands of points of data to his team which has created algorithms to measure and analyze the movements of a ship to help scientists determine what it’s doing.

The 3Ps fishery gains Marine Stewardship Council (MSC)  certification after the successful completion of a WWF-led Fishery Improvement Project (FIP) in partnership with Icewater Seafoods Inc.

A new Newfoundland and Labrador Groundfish Industry Development Council is announced to prepare for and establish a reinvigorated groundfish fishery. The Council includes representatives from the FFAW-Unifor union and owners of processing facilities in the province.

The FFAW says that it has lost the faith of the Area 12 fishermen and there is a movement to try and have the union disbanded.

DFO scientist Dr. John Brattey says that cod stocks in the northern region are on the way towards leaving the “critical” designation. The stock in the 2J, 3K and 3L regions have increased to an estimated 538,000 tonnes of fish – the highest since 1992. That is 34 per cent of the level needed to escape the “critical” zone. There is still a long way to go before a large scale commercial fishery becomes viable again.
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DFO announces an extension to the recreational  food fishery. It will be open every weekend starting Canada Day until Labour Day, in addition to three full weeks from July 16 to August 7^th, and another week in the fall starting Sept. 24^th. There will be a maximum of five fish per person and 15 fish per boat. Tour boats can now apply for increased trip limits. DFO also announced the return of cod tags in 2017.

Dominic LeBlanc replaces Hunter TooToo as Minister of Fisheries and Oceans.

The Newfoundland and Labrador Groundfish Development Council  joins the northern cod (2J3KL) fishery improvement project (FIP) run jointly by WWF-Canada and the FFAW-Unifor.

A new report produced by Oceana Canada, CANADA’S MARINE FISHERIES: STATUS, RECOVERY POTENTIAL AND PATHWAYS TO SUCCESS  is being called the most comprehensive public study ever conducted on the state of Canada’s fish stocks. The study outlines the extent to which overfishing and decades of poor management practices have severely depleted the country’s fish populations.
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