Description, Distribution and Biology

• In Newfoundland and Labrador, Atlantic cod are found in both coastal and offshore waters, ranging from northern Labrador to eastern Newfoundland, including the Grand Banks.
• Atlantic cod are a type of groundfish that can be recognized by:
  • A long body that is brownish green to grey in colour, often with darker spots along the back.
  • A pale lateral line running along the side of the body.
  • A small whisker-like structure on the chin, called a barbel, which helps the fish find food on the seafloor.

• Atlantic cod can grow to more than 1 meter (100 cm), weigh more than 40 kg (89 lbs), and live longer than 25 years.
• Atlantic cod feed on a variety of species, including capelin, herring, flounder, crab, and other fish and shellfish.

History of the Cod Fishery in Newfoundland and Labrador

• There are three key cod stocks adjacent to the province:
  • Northern cod, located on the Northeast coast of the island and Labrador;
  • South coast cod, located on the southern portion of the island; and
  • Northern Gulf of St. Lawerence cod, located on the west coast of the province between the Maritimes provinces and Quebec.
• The Atlantic cod fishery has been a cornerstone of Newfoundland and Labrador’s history, economy, and culture for centuries.
• Cod has been harvested in Newfoundland and Labrador waters for more than 500 years, and at its peak, the fishery was one of the largest and most productive in the world.
• In 1992, severe declines in cod stocks led to the collapse of the fishery and the establishment of the historic cod moratorium.
• In June 2024, the Government of Canada reopened the commercial northern cod fishery in Newfoundland and Labrador, ending the 32-year moratorium.
• Most cod fishing activity in Newfoundland and Labrador occurs on the Northeast coast, with a smaller fishery operating on the South coast. The cod fishery on the west coast is currently under moratorium.
• Common fishing methods include:
  • Gillnets
  • Handlines
  • Cod traps
  • Bottom Trawls
• Since 2006, the food fishery has taken place each summer, giving residents and tourists the opportunity to experience a long-standing cultural tradition and catch cod for food.

Fun Facts

• Cod are incredible oceanic survivors, capable of living up to 30 years and producing several million eggs per spawning season.
• Off the coast of Labrador (specifically in Gilbert Bay), there is a unique population of Atlantic cod easily recognized by their distinctive golden coloration, known as the golden cod.