Closing Thoughts

So, the question of "Does the Atlantic Cod Gadus morhua Have a Future in the Gulf of Maine?" still remains to be answered. Alot of data shows the downturn of the cod in the last century. Recently we have seen increases in NMFS Bottom Trawl Survey landings and also commercial fishery landings; however, it is too soon to tell if this is a natural fluctuation within the cod population. NMFS projections suggest that the total annual catch, including commercial landings and recreational landings is expected to increase from 3,850 mt in 2003 to 11,530 mt in 2009.[47]

I believe that with the combination of increased management and cooperative research that yes, the Atlantic Cod does have a future in the Gulf of Maine. But if there is any time to act it is now. These next few years are crucial in the survival of the cod populations. Time will tell. And who knows, maybe we may even see the return of the 200-pound cod. But for now let's settle for a sustainable population and a manageable fishery.