A Discussion of the NAFO Precautionary Approach Framework

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In 2004, the Fisheries Commission of the Northwest Atlantic Fisheries Organization (NAFO) adopted a precautionary approach (PA) framework for the management of NAFO fish and shellfish stocks. The framework, which operates on a single stock at a time, identifies five zones into which a stock can be classified, depending on the status of the stock with respect to fishing mortality and biomass.