Cod decision ignores science: researchers

An independent group of scientists is disappointed that Northern cod will not be declared an endangered species.

The Committee on the Status of Endangered Wildlife in Canada had recommended that cod off the coasts of Newfoundland and Labrador be protected under the federal Species at Risk Act.

However, the federal cabinet has rejected COSEWIC's advice, on ground that such a move would harm other fisheries to prevent inadvertent hauls of cod bycatch.

• FROM NOV. 29, 2005: Cod not headed for endangered list: Regan

"We said it's in danger, we believe it's in danger, [but] the minister said no," said Marco Festa-Bianchet, the chair of COSEWIC.

"And for now, it ends there."

The federal cabinet is expected to make decisions in the spring on final determination of several species considered to be threatened or endangered.

Federal Fisheries Minister Geoff Regan announced earlier this week that cabinet was advising against bring Northern cod under such protection.

• EXTERNAL SITE: DFO backgrounder on marine conservation measures

Festa-Bianchet said the federal cabinet should have made its recommendation based on solid scientific evidence, and not on economic arguments.

However, Festa-Bianchet says he has not been surprised, given feedback from people in the province during recent hearings.

Jim Morgan, who served as provincial minister of fisheries in the 1980s and now an organizers with the Rural Rights and Boat Owners Association, said communities would be devastated if cod was placed on the endangered species list.

"It would be turmoil on the northeast coast," Morgan said.

"It would be terrible – fishermen won't be able to have a bycatch, [and] they won't be able to sell any cod, catch any cod."

Scientists lamented the outcome of the recommendation, but some acknowledged that the federal government had little choice politically.

"I think it's quite convincingly endangered," retired DFO scientist Howard Powles said.

"But I know there [are] social and economic consequences of listing, and there is no provision in the law now to sell or possess listed species."

Festa-Bianchet says his committee's work is finished.

"It's not COSEWIC's job to argue with the minister," he said, adding COSEWIC may look at cod again in the future.