For the first time since the 1992 moratorium, the latest Northern Cod science indicates the stock is in the healthy zone. This allows for an increased commercial fishery, along with the previously announced expansion of the Northern cod food fishery. The 2026 management decisions are:
- Northern cod: TAC increase from 38,000 tonnes to 59,000 tonnes.
- 2J3KLPs Capelin: The TAC is unchanged at 14,533 tonnes.
- Northern Gulf cod: No directed commercial fishery, and total removals remain capped at 500 tonnes a year to support rebuilding.
The full release is available online. Contact Ira.Khedkar@dfo-mpo.gc.ca.