The Capacity Trend Method: A new approach for enumerating the Newfoundland cod fisheries (1675–1790)

Abstract We apply a novel methodology to the study of the Newfoundland cod fisheries in order to determine a reasoned and acceptable chronological value series for total catch amounts in the early modern period where data are scarce. The paper focuses on the two main protagonists in the Newfoundland fisheries arena in that period: France and England. The period 1675–1790 has been selected as a viable and representative chronology for a case study where data, while available in part, are limited and often missing. The new methodology proposed here enables further exploration, input and assessment such that an ever-greater level of accuracy, integrity and robustness may be achieved in future.