Cod have long been a culinary staple for many; these fish are versatile, and if you enjoy eating fish, you probably like their mild flavor and adaptability to many recipes. Despite the fact that seafood markets continue to be flooded with cod, this seemingly ubiquitous species is at risk; in addition, some unsustainable fishing practices are causing many who like to eat cod to rethink their dining choices. Here, we'll look into issues surrounding cod fisheries, along with some peripheral consequences that are affecting ocean environments.
Atlantic Cod Fishing and Sustainability
Cod fishing has long been a major part of life along the New England coast, with Gulf of Maine Cod supplying fisheries with plenty of big, healthy fish while stocks remained healthy and sustainable. Now, the situation has changed dramatically, despite the fact that commercial fisheries have worked hard to stay within NOAA catch guidelines. In a space of time spanning 2008 to 2011, studies showed New England cod biomass dropped by two thirds. While fluctuations are normal, and while U.S. and Canadian fisheries tend to act responsibly, some unsustainable fishing practices in the remainder of the Atlantic, along with global climate change, could be contributing to this decline.
For example, illegal fishing is rampant, and enforcement is difficult; look at what happened to the Grand Banks fishery off Newfoundland, nearly overnight. For centuries, cod stocks there seemed inexhaustible, but in 1992, the entire industry collapsed, leaving cod stocks depleted, and leaving 40,000 people, including about 10,000 fishermen jobless. Ecosystem changes, wasteful bycatch, and destructive fishing practices, including bottom trawling, are destroying habitat and fish breeding grounds needed for cod and other species to survive.
Choosing Sustainable Cod
While Atlantic cod is currently a poor choice, many Pacific cod fisheries are healthy and sustainable, so long as the fish they produce have been line or pot caught. Unlike bottom trawling, bottom longlines have minimal impact on habitat; neither do baited traps, called "pots." Both methods target legal-sized cod, and both reduce bycatch amounts greatly. Mandatory observers ensure fishermen observe seasonal and area closures, as well as that they follow gear restrictions and are within quota regulations as far as catch is concerned. Pacific cod stocks are not overfished; neither are they approaching overfished condition. These stocks are carefully monitored with an eye toward keeping the population healthy while allowing those who enjoy eating cod to consume it without guilt.
In order to ensure that you are choosing sustainable cod, be sure to learn about the fish you are planning to purchase, prior to making a choice. A great way to do this is to purchase fish which has been certified sustainable by the Marine Stewardship Council (MSC), or by another sustainability organization. This way, you can be certain the fish you choose to eat have been caught using sustainable methods, that they are not in any way endangered, and that the chain of custody - from ocean to table - has been verified. By selecting only certified cod, you help ensure these fish will survive and thrive for generations to come.