Atlantic Cod
The Atlantic Cod or Gadus morhua, can grow to 2 metres (6 ft 7 in) in length and weigh up to 96 kilograms (210 lb). It can live for 25 years and sexual maturity is generally attained between ages 2 to 4, but can be as late as 8 years in the northeast Arctic. Colouring is brown to green with spots on the dorsal side, shading to silver ventrally. A lateral line is clearly visible. Its habitat ranges from the shoreline down to the continental shelf.
Cod are omnivorous, feeding on a variety of invertebrates and fish species (Lough 2004, O’Brien et al. 2005). Growth rates differ between the stocks although each is exploited by the same gear types with similar selection characteristics. Growth of cod in the Gulf of Maine has historically been slower than on Georges Bank (Pentilla and Gifford 1976, O’Brien 1998), but appears to have increased in recent years. Differences in growth rate by sex have also become less pronounced in both stocks.
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[edit] History of Atlantic Cod
Several cod stocks collapsed in the 1990s (declined by >95% of maximum historical biomass) and have failed to recover even with the cessation of fishing.
For centuries, north Atlantic cod was one of the world’s largest and most reliable fisheries. However, overfishingthreatens to bring this to an end. Despite strict management in the U.S. and Canada in recent years, cod remains overfished, with some populations so depleted that they’re listed as endangered or threatened. While cod populations in Iceland and the Northeast Arctic are in better condition, overfishing still occurs in these regions.
[edit] Overfishing
- All NE Atlantic cod stocks are overfished and in decline according to independent scientists.
- Stocks in some areas, including the North Sea, are so low that scientists are recommending that cod fishing should be banned in these areas.
- Methods used for catching cod have high levels of bycatch of immature fish and non-target species
[edit] Alternatives
- Striped bass,
- U.S. -farmed cobia and non-trawled Pacific cod are "Best Choices."
- Bream
- Lemon Sole
- Pollack
- Whiting
