COD RESTRICTIONS WILL COST CONSUMERS WHO BUY LOCAL

PATRICK WHITTLE, Associated Press

Local Cod Prices Expected to Rise

PORTLAND, Maine (AP) — Fishermen and dealers say new restrictions on commercial cod fishing in the Gulf of Maine will likely make local cod more expensive to New England consumers.

Imported Cod to Fill Supply Gap

But industry sources also say supply from countries such as Iceland and Norway will keep cod in abundance at fish markets and fish-and-chip shops.

Current and Future Cod Market Costs

Maine dealers say local cod currently costs consumers about $9 to $13 per pound, and that could climb soon because of the new regulations. Non-local cod is typically a few dollars less expensive.

Regulatory Actions Behind Price Changes

Federal regulators on Monday announced the closure of commercial and recreational cod fishing in parts of the Gulf of Maine. They say the fish’s population is at an all-time low.