Government Ends 32-Year Newfoundland Cod Moratorium

The federal government has lifted the 32-year moratorium on northern cod fishing in Newfoundland and Labrador, allowing for a total allowable catch of 18,000 tonnes for the 2024 season. This decision marks a significant shift after the devastating impact of the moratorium on the province's economy and communities. Minister Diane Lebouthillier emphasized the historic nature of this milestone, aiming to benefit coastal and Indigenous communities. The cod fishery, once a vital economic source, faced collapse leading to mass unemployment and population decline, prompting the moratorium in 1992. Despite initial expectations of a two-year moratorium, fish stocks did not recover, causing long-lasting repercussions until recent signs of improvement.