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Zone 1

Zone 1 consists of two shallow areas in the upper reaches of the bay.  The GBSC has identified this zone as sensitive due to the fact that it is an important area for the spawning, rearing, feeding and juvenile habitat for Gilbert Bay cod.  This zone also has the highest concentrations of cod found anywhere in Gilbert Bay.  Cod migrate to and from these areas annually.  As a result, this zone has been given the highest level of management protection.

Salmon, charr and trout also migrate to this area and capelin spawn on a number of beaches throughout the area. In addition, the area is also considered to have pristine examples of maerl (a collective term for several species of calcified red seaweed growing on the ocean floor).

Zone 2

Zone 2 encompasses the main arm of the bay.  Although on a much smaller scale than Zone 1, cod also spawn, breed and migrate in this area, occurring from the outer part of the bay in the summer to the inner part in the fall.  Here, cod are considered to be at risk from directed fishing in the summer and early fall.

Zone 3

Zone 3 includes the area from the coastal low water mark extending seaward to the three entrances which connect Gilbert Bay to the Labrador Sea.  Mature cod migrating through zones 1 and 2 are also known to feed in this area.  Cod are also observed concentrating in a number of areas within this zone.  As a result, the mature cod population is considered to be at particular risk to directed commercial fishing.  The area also has higher finfish diversity as compared to zones 1 and 2.

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