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Northwest Atlantic Fisheries Organization facts for kids

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The Northwest Atlantic Fisheries Organization (NAFO) is an important group of countries. They work together to protect and manage fisheries in the northwestern part of the Atlantic Ocean. NAFO also gives scientific advice about fishing. Its main office is in Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada.

What NAFO Does

NAFO's main goal is to help countries work together. They want to use ocean resources wisely. This means managing and protecting fish in the Northwest Atlantic.

NAFO's rules cover most fish in this area. But they don't manage salmon, tuna, whales, or shellfish.

In 2007, NAFO updated its main agreement. This new agreement was fully accepted in May 2017. It changed how NAFO protects fish. Now, they also focus on protecting the entire ocean environment. This means looking after all living things and their homes, not just the fish they catch.

NAFO's History

How It Started

In 1950, countries that fished a lot in the waters near Canada and the United States realized something important. They saw that fish numbers were not endless. So, they decided to create an international group. This group would help protect fish stocks.

This first group was called the International Commission for the Northwest Atlantic Fisheries (ICNAF). It was set up to use science to give advice to member countries.

Changing to NAFO

Later, between 1973 and 1982, the United Nations made new rules for the oceans. One big change was the idea of an Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ). This meant countries could control fishing in a large area off their coasts.

Because of this, countries like Canada, the United States, Greenland, and St. Pierre and Miquelon gained control over more fishing areas. So, the old ICNAF needed to be replaced.

In 1979, ICNAF became the Northwest Atlantic Fisheries Organization (NAFO). NAFO continued the work of ICNAF. Its job is to give scientific advice to countries. This helps make sure fish stocks are protected and managed well. NAFO manages most fish in the Northwest Atlantic. But it does not manage salmon, tuna, whales, or shellfish.

NAFO sets rules for twelve types of fish. For seven types of fish, fishing is completely stopped. This is called a moratorium. These fish include Atlantic cod, American plaice, and shrimp. Some fish, like redfish and cod, were allowed to be fished again after many years.

How NAFO Works

NAFO uses a "Precautionary Approach" to manage fishing. This means they are careful, especially when they are not sure about something. This helps protect fish resources better.

NAFO also sets rules for how much fish can be caught. These are called Total Allowable Catches (TACs). They also set limits on how much other fish can be caught by accident. This is called by-catch. There are also rules about the minimum size of fish and where and when fishing can happen.

NAFO has many ways to control fishing:

  • Fishing Permits: Vessels need special permission to fish.
  • Vessel and Gear Rules: There are rules for boats and fishing equipment.
  • Catch Records: Fishing boats must record what they catch.
  • Observers: Each fishing boat in the NAFO area must have an independent observer on board. This person checks what is caught.
  • Satellite Tracking: Boats have a satellite device that reports their position every two hours. This is called the NAFO Vessel Monitoring System (VMS).

NAFO also checks fish when they are brought to port. This is called Port State Control. Inspectors from NAFO countries can check fish landings.

NAFO also has joint inspections at sea. Inspectors from member countries check fishing boats. If rules are broken, the country the boat belongs to must investigate. NAFO publishes a report each year about how well countries follow the rules.

NAFO has found 26 areas in the ocean that are easily harmed by fishing gear that touches the bottom. They have closed these areas to bottom fishing. These closures will be checked again in 2023. NAFO also mapped out existing bottom fishing areas. This was done to protect sensitive ocean environments.

Current Member Countries

(Year they joined)

Former Member Countries

  • Bulgaria (1979–2006, joined the EU)
  • Estonia (1992–2004, joined the EU)
  • Latvia (1992–2004, joined the EU)
  • Lithuania (1992–2004, joined the EU)
  • Poland (1979–2004, joined the EU)
  • Romania (1979–2002, joined the EU in 2007)
  • Portugal (1979–1986, joined the EU)
  • Spain (1983–1986, joined the EU)
  • East Germany (1978–1990, joined the EU after Germany reunited)
  • Soviet Union (1978–1991, followed by Russia)
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