A recent assessment of Atlantic cod stocks in the Bay of Fundy and the Scotian Shelf indicates ongoing challenges for the species. The report, published in April 2024, reveals record-low numbers of young fish and elevated mortality rates.

Persistent Decline and Dire Situation

Scientists have observed that cod stocks in these areas have been in a “critical zone” since approximately 2008, with no significant improvements. Irene Andrushchenko, a scientist with the Department of Fisheries and Oceans and lead researcher for the assessment, described the situation as “dire,” stating, “things aren’t looking good for the population in these areas.”

Factors Contributing to the Decline

While the exact causes remain unclear, factors such as predation and changing water temperatures are believed to be contributing to the decline. The assessment also noted a reduction in the age of the species, with older fish rarely observed in surveys or bycatch since the 1990s.

Current Management and Conservation Efforts

Atlantic cod is currently managed as a bycatch-only fishery, with a total allowable catch of 660 metric tonnes to account for incidental catches. In the 2024-25 management year, only 466 metric tonnes were harvested, reflecting the dwindling population.

Challenges to Recovery

Katie Schleit, fisheries director at Oceans North, acknowledged the Department of Fisheries and Oceans’ positive management response. However, she emphasized the difficulty of recovering collapsed fish populations, even without fishing pressure. She likened the situation to a weakened individual being more susceptible to illness.

Schleit also highlighted the importance of favorable environmental conditions for stock recovery, but noted that climate change is exacerbating challenges, particularly in the Gulf of Saint Lawrence and parts of the Scotian Shelf, where warming is occurring rapidly.

The downward trend continues in the Gulf of St. Lawrence, where environmental pressures are compounding the species’ decline.