DFO Continues to Defend Decision for Commercial Northern Cod Fishery Despite Best Science and Policy

In a letter dated August 7th to Hon. Jagmeet Singh, Leader of the New Democratic Party; MP Lisa-Marie Barron; and Mary Shortall, Special Advisor; Minister Lebouthillier doubles down on justifying why DFO had to maintain commitments to NAFO with the movement of the Northern cod stock from the Critical to Cautious Zone.

However, it was completely within the department’s authority to maintain the Stewardship Fishery with science and policy guiding the management plan. Instead, they chose a clear political passage by re-opening the Commercial Fishery to allow Canadian and International draggers.

This is NOT sound resource management. This is political pandering.