The 2024 Annual NAFO Meeting focused on the sustainable management of crucial fish stocks in the Northwest Atlantic such as cod and Greenland halibut
The 46th Annual Meeting of the Northwest Atlantic Fisheries Organization (NAFO), which took place in Halifax, Nova Scotia, from 23 to 27 September 2024.
The meeting focused on the sustainable management of crucial fish stocks in the Northwest Atlantic, with cod and Greenland halibut being of particular significance to the EU.
Major Outcomes from the Meeting
Northern Cod
A joint proposal from the EU and Canada led to the reopening of the fishery for Northern cod in Divisions 2J, 3K, and 3L, with a revised sharing arrangement. This update was necessary, as the previous provisions had been in place since 1991. The EU’s share was increased to reflect its current composition, ensuring a fairer allocation of fishing rights. Additionally, fishing opportunities for 3M cod were increased, with existing technical measures maintained to protect the stock.
NAFO’s decision rewards the fishing sector’s conservation efforts by increasing opportunities while maintaining caution to safeguard stock sustainability.
NAFO Regulatory Area Map ©Northwest Atlantic Fisheries Organization
Greenland Halibut
The meeting adopted a new methodology for managing the Greenland halibut stock, aligning it with the Harvest Control Rule. This approach will help manage the stock sustainably while setting appropriate fishing limits.
Redfish in Divisions 3L and 3N
For redfish in these divisions, the EU supported a cautious approach due to uncertainties in the scientific data. Although catches will be reduced to protect the stock, NAFO avoided a complete fishery closure to ensure continuous data collection, which is essential for long-term management.
Control Measures for Irminger Sea Redfish
NAFO also introduced control measures for the sustainable management of Irminger Sea redfish. The measures are aimed at ensuring that contracting parties do not contribute to unsustainable fishing in the event of a moratorium. These include prohibiting vessels from participating in transshipments and denying landings in ports, except in distress situations. These rules mirror similar regulations from the North East Atlantic Fisheries Commission.
NAFO’s Role in Sustainable Fisheries
NAFO, an intergovernmental organisation, manages fishing activities in the high seas of the Northwest Atlantic, outside Canada’s exclusive economic zone. Its mission is to ensure the long-term conservation and sustainable use of fishery resources, while also protecting the marine ecosystems where these resources are found. NAFO consists of 13 contracting parties, including the EU, which has been a member since its inception in 1979.
The EU remains a strong advocate for sustainable fisheries, playing an active role in 13 non-tuna Regional Fisheries Management Organisations (RFMOs) worldwide. RFMOs, such as NAFO, use scientific advice to implement management tools like catch limits, technical measures, and monitoring systems to prevent adverse impacts on biodiversity and marine ecosystems.
The decisions made at the NAFO Annual Meeting represent significant steps forward in promoting sustainable fishing practices and protecting vital fish stocks for future generations.