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June 2, 1999
(Fisheries and Aquaculture)


Increased TAC for 3Ps cod welcome news, says John Efford

John Efford, Minister of Fisheries and Aquaculture, today welcomed the decision by the Minister of Fisheries and Oceans to increase the Total Allowable Catch (TAC) for cod in 3Ps to 30,000 tonnes in 1999 from 20,000 tonnes in 1998.

In welcoming the announcement Mr. Efford noted that the increased quota is fully consistent with the advice of the Fisheries Resource Conservation Council. "This increase is most encouraging," said Mr. Efford, "and reflects a widespread view that the 3Ps cod stock has shown significant recovery since 1993 when the stock was closed to a directed fishery for a five-year period.

"The increased quota will have a significant economic impact throughout the South Coast region and will contribute to a renewed confidence in the fishery. Fortunately, the cod market remains fairly strong and the increased quota will mean a significant increase in earnings for inshore fishermen, in particular, throughout the region and increased employment in the processing sector."

Mr. Efford noted that in the mid-1980s the 3Ps cod stock supported average annual total allowable catches in the order of 40,000 tonnes. The announced TAC increase for 1999 will result in the 1999 TAC approaching previous levels with the inshore sector accounting for the largest share of landings from this fishery. However, at current prices it can be expected that the landed value of the catch from this stock will reach record levels in 1999.

Minister Efford further noted that the 3Ps zone is one area where seals are not as abundant as they are in the northern zones where stock rebuilding has shown little growth since the imposition of the 2J and 3KL moratorium in 1992. Given this consideration he observed that this may be one factor which has contributed to the rebuilding of the 3Ps cod stock.

Media contact: Sonia Glover, Director of Communications, (709) 729-3733, Cell: (709) 682-0368, email: sglover@mail.gov.nf.ca

1999 0602    12:50 p.m.


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