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Species at risk
Atlantic Cod
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Atlantic Cod has been a cornerstone of Newfoundland and Labrador’s culture and economy for over 500 years. This fish played a crucial role in the historical settlement and economic development of the region. However, its populations have faced significant declines due to overfishing and environmental pressures.
Habitat & Range
Atlantic Cod are found contiguously along the east coast of Canada, from the southern edge, northward along the Scotian Shelf, throughout the Gulf of St. Lawrence, around Newfoundland, and along the eastern shores of Labrador. They prefer continental shelf areas and are found at various depths, often over sandy or gravelly bottoms.
Diet
Atlantic Cod are opportunistic feeders; their diet primarily consists of small fish, crustaceans, and invertebrates.
Scientific Name
Gadus morhua
Conservation Status
COSEWIC: The Newfoundland and Labrador population is currently listed as Endangered. This designation is due to a drastic decline in population size, estimated between 97-99% over the past three generations, primarily caused by overfishing.
SARA: Under the Species at Risk Act, specific protection measures and recovery strategies are in place, especially since the commercial fishing moratoria initiated in the early 1990s.
Size
Adult Atlantic Cod typically range from 60-100 cm in length and can weigh up to 40 kg. However, sizes can vary with different stocks across the Newfoundland and Labrador region.
Population
Due to historical overfishing, populations in Newfoundland and Labrador have been critically reduced. Despite various conservation efforts and moratoriums on commercial fisheries, the stocks have shown little sign of recovery to historical levels.
Cod in Newfoundland & Labrador
The Atlantic Cod has not only been a staple in the diet of the people of Newfoundland and Labrador but has also shaped their cultural and economic identity for over half a millennium. Since the late 1400s, when European explorers first documented the rich fishing grounds, cod fishing has been intrinsically linked to the region’s history and development. The fishery fostered early European settlement and has influenced local customs, traditions, and lifestyles. It’s depicted in local folklore, music, and art, showcasing its deep-rooted significance in Newfoundland and Labrador’s cultural fabric.
Ecologically, Atlantic Cod is a keystone species in the marine ecosystem of the North Atlantic, including the waters off Newfoundland and Labrador. It plays a critical role in maintaining the health and balance of the marine environment. As a top predator, cod help regulate the populations of smaller fish and invertebrates, thus contributing to the biodiversity and stability of the ecosystem. The decline of cod populations has had significant ripple effects, altering food webs and leading to ecological imbalances, demonstrating the species’ fundamental role in the marine habitats around Newfoundland and Labrador.
The interconnectedness of Atlantic Cod with the region’s marine life, coupled with its historical economic value, underscores the importance of ongoing conservation efforts. Protecting this species helps preserve not only a critical ecological balance but also a way of life that has defined Newfoundland and Labrador for generations.
THREATS
The primary threats faced by cod include historical overfishing, ongoing limited catch rates, and increased natural mortality rates. Changes in the ecosystem and predatory pressures also contribute to their threatened status.
CURRENT PROTECTIONS
Several measures are in place to aid the recovery of Atlantic Cod stocks in Newfoundland and Labrador. These include the establishment of the Cod Stewardship fishery, which aims to develop a culture of stewardship among harvesters and gather crucial data for stock assessment. Moratoriums on commercial fisheries have been in place since the early 1990s, and there are ongoing efforts in scientific research and monitoring, such as the Sentinel Survey Projects, to better understand and manage the stocks.
further resources
Fisheries and Oceans Canada
DFO Humpback Whale Catalogue
NOAA Humpback Whale Info
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North Atlantic Marine Mammal Commission
The North Atlantic Marine Mammal Commission is an "international body for co-operation on conservation, management and study of marine mammals in the North Atlantic."
Whales in Newfoundland
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