The following discussion proposes to focus on the demise of the Atlantic cod (gadus morhua). Specifically, and at the urging of the DFO, the discussion will be framed in the context of sustainability. Consequently, initially the concept of sustainable development will be explored. Subsequently, a brief history of the fishery will be presented. This discussion will focus on the last two decades, specifically the crisis that arose in the 1980s and led to the closure of the fishery in 1992 by John Crosbie, the federal Minister responsible, and a Newfoundlander. A concluding section will consider the current fishery (30,000 tonnes in 1998) and its future prospects. 14 pgs. 24 f/c. 25b.