Season opening for the mackerel fishery in the southern gulf of St. Lawrence

Moncton, NB – May 28, 2020 – The Department of Fisheries and Oceans announces today the mackerel fishery in mackerel fishing area 16 will open on June 1, 2020 as specified under the Atlantic Fisheries Regulation, 1985.

The Total Allowable Catch (TAC) for Eastern Canada will remain at 8,000 tonnes for 2020. The minimum fish size for commercial and recreational mackerel retention will also remain at 268 mm.

In addition to the management measures implemented in recent years to improve monitoring and reporting of catches in the mackerel fishery, fish harvesters will be required to comply with new management measures on gear marking published in the notice to fish harvesters available here.

Next year, Fisheries and Oceans Canada plans to implement a minimum mesh size of 69,85 mm (2 3/4 inches) and a maximum mesh size of 76.2 mm (3 inches ) in order to standardize the mesh size for gill nets used in the mackerel fishery in the Gulf of St. Lawrence.

Eligible harvesters wishing to participate in this fishery are now able to obtain their mackerel licence through the National Online Licensing System (NOLS). The Department wants to remind licence holders that they are required to have entered into an agreement with a dockside monitoring company designated by Fisheries and Oceans Canada prior to the start of their mackerel fishing season.

The rebuilding plan for mackerel, developed in collaboration with various stakeholders, should be finalized over the next year and will provide guidelines to improve the state of the stock which is currently in the critical zone according to the precautionary approach framework.

Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) - Information for industry

Canadian fisheries and aquaculture sectors provide the world with sustainably-sourced, high quality, high value, fish and seafood.

Fisheries, Oceans and the Canadian Coast Guard is committed to supporting our fisheries and aquaculture industry during these difficult times. The Government of Canada is taking the necessary steps to ensure that you can continue to operate safely and effectively and we will continue to keep you informed of the latest developments.

For more information:

Sandra Comeau
Resource Management, Eastern NB
Fisheries and Oceans Canada
Tracadie, NB
506-395-7765
Ben Moore
Resource Management, PEI
Fisheries and Oceans Canada
Charlottetown, PEI
902-370-7094
Alan Dwyer
Resource Management, Gulf NS
Fisheries and Oceans Canada
Antigonish, NS
902-735-7114
Mario Gaudet
Regional Advisor, Resource Management
Fisheries and Oceans Canada
Moncton, NB
506-871-0648
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