Crisis in Canadaʹs Atlantic sea fisheries

The paper analyses the historical development of the Northwest Atlantic groundfish fishery. The paper then review studies and programs conducted and implemented that were geared towards improving fisheries management and development. An examination of the characteristics of the Northern Cod stocks and management models are reviewed. The paper suggests that an integrated scientific institutional management strategy is needed, based on the recognition, that marine fish species have evolved and adapted to the characteristics of unit ocean areas and environments. The paper concludes that the fisheries sector in the Northwest Atlantic is not a leading sector but a lagging one, one requiring massive inputs of public funds support to survive.