John Cabot, an Italian explorer whose real name was Giovanni Caboto, deserves much of the credit for finding what would later become known as the new world. Sailing across the Atlantic under the sponsorship of England’s King Henry VII, he landed upon Newfoundland in 1497.

Perhaps even more importantly, Cabot found fish — specifically cod — that would help feed the world for more than five centuries. Yes, 500 years.

During one of Cabot’s voyages, he and his crew came upon schools of cod so thick they were said to have slowed the speed of the ship.

This week’s Heritage Minute highlights this trip and Cabot’s recognition of the importance of his fishy discovery as he reported back to the English king. As Historica Dominica, the keeper of these Heritage Minutes, notes, “Now, over 500 years since Cabot’s first voyage, we have to recognize the sad depletion of the cod fishery that seemed, in Cabot’s time, to be infinite.”

Heritage Minutes are 60-second short films that are shown in between some TV shows in Canada — and they’re amazing. We’re planning to bring you a “Heritage Minute” every Thursday on COTW.

Enjoy.

To learn more about the depletion of the North West Atlantic cod fishery, check out this Wikipedia article.