Cod was once an abundant staple of New England’s fishing industry. Photo: Shutterstock
April 9, 2026 (Boston, MA) – Conservation Law Foundation (CLF) is demanding that the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) adopt the new scientific understanding of cod populations in New England and create rebuilding plans to support the recovery of the species. These plans are necessary to reverse the severe decline in Atlantic cod from decades of overfishing. After more than 10 years of research, informed by work in partnership with fishermen, scientists have confirmed there are four distinct cod stocks in New England waters instead of two. For struggling cod populations to rebuild, NOAA must incorporate the latest science into management plans.
Cod was once an abundant staple of New England’s fishing industry. Tragically, population estimates have plummeted to near historic lows. Flawed management and inaction from the Trump administration’s NOAA have contributed to that decline. Embracing the new science gives us a critical opportunity to reverse course and restore this ecologically crucial species.
“Scientists confirmed that there are actually more distinct cod populations than we previously thought several years ago,” said Gareth Lawson, senior scientist at CLF. “It’s past time for management to catch up. New England’s cod are at risk of collapse. Cod need every advantage they can get, not regulations based in inaccurate, outdated science.”
The New England Fishery Management Council has worked openly and collaboratively to adopt this new understanding, ensuring transparency throughout the process. Every moment the Trump administration’s NOAA stalls pushes this species closer to collapse. Our petition calls upon the agency to take this key step forward in protecting cod before any more time is lost.
This petition shouldn’t be necessary. NOAA can act immediately by approving the Council’s proposed amendment to the fishery management plan that implements this new science and then directing the Council to begin rebuilding plans for cod now.
CLF’s petition urges NOAA to initiate new federal protections to rebuild Atlantic cod. The petition can be read here.
CLF experts are available for further comment.
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