ST. JOHN'S, Nfld. — A federal advisory group is recommending the recreational cod fishery off the east coast of Newfoundland be shut down.

The Fisheries Resource Conservation Council released a report Thursday containing a number of recommendations on how to protect northern cod stocks.

The council also suggested a 1,500-tonne sentinel, or scientific fishery, and closure of the capelin fishery.

The report also recommended an increased seal harvest and seal exclusion zones. Hungry seals have long been blamed for contributing to the sharp decline in cod stocks.

In the offshore, large areas of the Grand Banks such as Hawk Channel and the Tobin Point-Bonavista Corridor would be closed to fishing except for crab pots.

The areas would also be protected from oil and gas exploration activities. The aim is to protect juvenile cod.

The recommendations have already been forwarded to federal Fisheries Minister Robert Thibault. He's expected to announce new regulations for the cod fishery some time in April.