HAPPY VALLEY–GOOSE BAY, LABRADOR – NunatuKavut Community Council (NCC) President Todd Russell issued the following statement on the recent management decision made by the Department of Fisheries and Oceans (DFO) on the commercial Northern cod fishery:
“We appreciate that NCC’s cod quota allocation remains stable at 3.33 per cent and that, from a conservation perspective, DFO Minister Joanne Thompson has taken a moderate approach in this latest decision. We are, however, deeply disappointed that there is not a greater share for Labrador overall given the stock biomass is currently and historically greatest off Labrador in NAFO Division 2J. NCC is seeking an explanation from the Minister as to why the allocation principles of adjacency, reconciliation and economic need were not applied given they are the basic precepts to fisheries management elsewhere in Atlantic Canada and internationally.
How is it that, with cod quotas increasing, Labrador’s share is decreasing? It was anticipated that this year’s management decision would prioritize Labrador-based interests. Instead, vital partners like the Labrador Fishermen’s Union Shrimp Company, a major fish harvester and processor in our territory, has been completely left out. This, while the offshore allocation has increased significantly. Skewing the system toward the offshore fleet sounds very familiar and appears to be based on old decisions that led to the cod moratorium of 1992. Rather than using this latest management decision as an opportunity to learn from and redress mistakes of the past, we are repeating history.
Northern cod is vital to the livelihood, health, well-being and growth of NunatuKavut communities. For generations, it has shaped our communities, provided economic stability, and connected us to the waters that define who we are. There is still time for DFO to make good management decisions that will ensure that cod is around for generations to come. It is also important that these decisions support business development and benefits those with the greatest need and closest to the resource.”
Media Contact:
Kelly Broomfield
Chief Communications Officer
P. 709-280-5965
E. communications@nunatukavut.ca
About the NunatuKavut Community Council (NCC): NCC is the governing organization that represents the rights and interests of Inuit from south and central Labrador. Rooted in the rich traditions and culture of NunatuKavut Inuit, NCC is advancing section 35 rights, working diligently toward self-government and self-determination, and fostering sustainable communities for the future.
Learn more at www.nunatukavut.ca. Join the conversation at facebook.com/nunatukavut, X/Twitter @nunatukavut and Instagram @nunatukavutinuit.