The Provincial Government continues to support science initiatives aimed at promoting cod recovery in Newfoundland and Labrador.

"While fisheries science is a federal responsibility, our government recognizes the importance of science to fisheries management," said the Honourable Tom Rideout, Minister of Fisheries and Aquaculture. "Therefore, we continue to approve funding to enhance a number of research projects related to cod recovery and other initiatives which are occurring throughout Newfoundland and Labrador."

The Strategy for Recovery and Management of Cod Stocks in Newfoundland and Labrador, released in November 2005, identified a number of science priorities in relation to cod stocks throughout the province, and a number of research projects were developed that are consistent with these recommendations.

"In response to the report, and to ensure that science remains an integral component of fisheries management, government has allocated $1.5 million over five years to assist with cod recovery initiatives," said Minister Rideout. "This funding commenced with a $300,000 allocation in Budget 2006, and an additional $300,000 was provided in Budget 2007. An equal allocation will be provided for similar purposes in each of the next three years."

In the current fiscal year, government has provided funding for additional work to proceed on initiatives commenced last year. This includes $20,000 for continued work on a study of the abundance and distribution of northern (2J3KL) cod between offshore waters and the inshore sentinel fishery; $20,000 for continued work on a survey aimed at quantifying mortality rates; and $5,000 for continued work on a study of the importance of habitat to cod in relation to spawning behaviour. A total of $95,000 was provided to contribute to these initiatives in 2006. These initiatives are being funded in partnership with the Department of Fisheries and Oceans (DFO).

In addition, the Provincial Government is providing $50,000 to complete further work with three projects related to northern Gulf cod (3Pn4RS) in partnership with DFO and the Fish, Food and Allied Workers (FFAW). This includes $33,000 for a cod tagging project to obtain information on spawning behaviour, migration, distribution and environmental influences; $10,000 for an assessment of the strength of the stock; and $7,000 on a project to help determine the reproductive potential of northern Gulf cod. An allocation of $50,000 was also provided in 2006 to help initiate these projects.

The Provincial Government has also provided $50,000 to the research team of Dr. George Rose to allow its inshore cod research in Smith Sound, Trinity Bay to continue. An identical level of funding was provided for this initiative in the previous two years. Furthermore, this research team will receive $75,000 to complete further work on an offshore survey of northern cod. This matches the level of funding provided by the Provincial Government for these projects last year.

In addition to these projects, the Provincial Government is allocating $20,000 for a new cod tagging study aimed at quantifying the fishing mortality rates among inshore components of the 3Ps cod stock, as well as that of the neighboring stock areas (2J3KL and 3Pn4RS). DFO is also a partner in this particular project.

"Two years following the release of the cod recovery document, the Provincial Government has made a significant contribution to a number of research initiatives," said Minister Rideout. "We are making progress, and although fisheries science is a federal responsibility, we are indeed stepping up in a meaningful way. Through these projects and our investment to date of $600,000, we are also helping to foster a collaborative approach to fisheries science that involves the Provincial and Federal Governments, the FFAW and Memorial University. We will continue to promote and support initiatives that enhance fisheries science, and we will continue to encourage further federal spending in this particular area."

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Media contact:
Lori Lee Oates
Director of Communications
Department of Fisheries and Aquaculture
709-729-3733, 690-8403
oatesll@gov.nl.ca