The cod which
is an extremely valuable white fish is now facing
a major down slide. Over fishing has led to
depletion of fish stocks in almost all areas
where cod is harvested. If the future of the
cod industry is to be salvaged, a complete fishing
ban is to be imposed in certain areas. In the
last three decades, the total cod catch has
fallen by two-thirds. Because of huge over fishing,
only three out of ten fish reach the age of
four years which symbolizes maturity. Today
every one fish out of ten white fishes caught
is cod. Therefore the number of cod capable
of reproduction has fallen drastically. Today,
the product made from cod are mainly fillets.
Overall the volume of total available fillets
has fallen.
The over fished
cod stocks, has led the cod industry to take
steps for rebuilding their stocks. These protection
measures for the conservation of cod, is gradually
beginning to pay off. Within a span of 10 years,
the aim is to rebuild the stock. The measures
which were taken immediately, was a 20% reduction
of the permitted days at sea. This reduction
of cod stocks have many serious effects. Since
there are no constant landings of Pacific cod,
prices fluctuate strongly. Along with the fishermen,
the companies are also affected. Ultimately
this de-stabilizes the market.
A fishing ban
is necessary and must stay in place. Out of
every hundred fish caught, 60 were smaller than
the permitted limit. Although there is some
improvement, a lot more needs to be done for
a fundamental turn around in the situation for
Pacific cod.
As and when Atlantic
cod catch is unavailable, it is made up by catches
of Pacific cod. Another alternative solution
is aquaculture of cod. There are some small
amounts of farmed cod in the market. A division
of the market could be made. Farmed cod could
be supplied to high value fresh markets in order
to get higher prices. The production volume
in farming is low and costs are high. On the
other hand, cod which is naturally harvested
can be supplied to high volume buyers like the
processing companies and supermarket chains.
For price
quotes and any further information, feel free
to call us today at:
Siam
Canadian Foods Co., Ltd.
9th Floor, Suite 283/44, Home Place Office Building.
283 Thonglor 13, Sukhumvit 55
Kongton Nua, Wattana, Bangkok 10110,
THAILAND
Call us at +66-2-185-3311
Fax: +66-2-185-3317
Email us at info@siamcanadian.com
