DFO says 3Ps cod near historic lows; FFAW wants more inshore science

Fisheries and Oceans Canada delivered a bleak Nov. 6, 2026, update on southern Newfoundland's 3Ps Atlantic cod stock. VOCM reported that the main spawning-stock biomass survey was unavailable for 2026, but preliminary data put the stock near historic lows with little sign of recovery, weak growth and survival, and warmer-water species beginning to show in the mix. DFO scientists said they will meet in coming weeks on next steps, including a review of the rebuilding plan.

FFAW-Unifor said the assessment showed about a 38 percent biomass decline even as some Placentia Bay and Fortune Bay harvesters reported strong summer fishing. The union argued spring research-vessel surveys happen before cod historically move into inshore bays, so they miss seasonal distribution that skippers see on the grounds. Harvesters also flagged the loss of the sentinel fishery and asked for more work on mixing between 3Ps and neighboring 3L.

DFO still describes the stock as historically low with poor recruitment. As managers review the rebuilding plan and 2027–28 advice, the gap between offshore survey timing and inshore summer catches is the political and scientific fight to watch.

This is a The Gillnet news desk summary, not a reprint.

Source: VOCM — New Data on 3Ps Cod Stock Shows Lowest Levels in History with No Sign of Recovery (Nov. 6, 2026). Also: FFAW-Unifor — FFAW Calls for Improved Inshore Science Following 3Ps Cod Stock Assessment (Nov. 6, 2026).

Photo: DFO / via VOCM.