HALIFAX—On the face of it, Ottawa’s decision to increase the catch rate for northern cod is a good-news story.

Fisheries Minister Joanne Thompson went so far as to call it a “remarkable” day, the day the total allowable catch was increased by 55 per cent.

So how much fish are we talking about? Ottawa has raised the total allowable catch from 38,000 to 59,000 metric tonnes. 

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Quarrels have already broken out over how the fish are to be divided. Inshore fishermen get 70 per cent of the increased quota, 20 per cent goes to mid-shore and offshore vessels, and the remaining 10 per cent is reserved for Indigenous Peoples and special fleets. 

At least one player is not pleased. Liberal MP Philip Earle described the cod allocations as “not acceptable,” and said he would like to see more of the quota dedicated to fishing interests based in Labrador, including Indigenous fishers.  

Along with Earle’s criticism, there was also praise for Thompson and the quota hike. Industry stakeholders in particular welcomed the decision, and why not?  

Inshore and offshore fishermen alike can now catch more of a species that has been the backbone of the Atlantic fishery for centuries. Whether they went to sea in small boats or trawlers with massive nets, they are all going to prosper from Ottawa’s move—for now.

But this news is as worrisome and potentially disturbing as it is beneficial to........

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