Gear sustainability assessment of the Newfoundland inshore northern cod fishery

摘要

From an ocean-basin collapse to a limited reopening, the Newfoundland northern cod fishery is challenged by ecological and economic sustainability. Pivotal factors influencing resource sustainability involve the use of gillnets as the main fishing method and the perception of cod as a low value commodity. Considering gillnetting and two other methods used in this fishery, hand-lines and Newfoundland cod pots, we identified and assessed strengths and weaknesses of each as a basis for best practices management decisions. This assessment involved multi-criteria evaluations based on "ideal gear properties" (Intemational Council for the Exploration of the Sea) adapted to incorporate criteria specific to this fishery. An index scoring system involving 20 ecological, economic and social criteria was developed and used to assess the three gears. Catch-related data collected onboard commercial fishing vessels and structured interviews on economic and social criteria assessments with fishers were collected. Literature reviews supplemented these data.