Five centuries of cod catches in Eastern Canada

Abstract The fishery for Northern Atlantic cod (Gadus morhua) off Newfoundland and Labrador, Eastern Canada, presents the most spectacular case of an exploited stock crashed in a few decades by industrial bottom trawl under seemingly sophisticated management regime after half millennium sustainable fishing. fishery, which had generated annual catches 100000 to 200000 tonnes from beginning 16th century 1950s, peaked 1968 at 810000 tonnes, followed devastating collapse closure 24 years later. Since then, recovery may have been hindered premature openings, with vessels targeting remains population. Previous research paid little attention towards using multicentury time series inform plans. Here, we show that simple assessment model can be used population trajectory entire period 1508 2019 catch estimates are available. suggests if fishing effort mortality stabilized 1980s, precautionary yields about could sustained. Our analysis demonstrates value incorporating prior knowledge counteract shifting baseline effects on reference points contemporary perceptions historical status.