Moratorium on Atlantic mackerel extended for 2023 season

Fisheries and Oceans Canada has extended the closure of commercial and bait fisheries for Atlantic mackerel in Atlantic Canada and Quebec for the 2023 season.

In a message to fish harvesters on Wednesday, the federal ministry said it was continuing the moratorium “to rebuild the stock”. The moratorium has been in effect since March 2022.

In its post, Fisheries and Oceans Canada said the results of a Canadian stock assessment showed that Atlantic mackerel “has continued to decline in the critical zone since the last assessment, with spawning biomass at its lowest observed value.” The critical zone means that serious damage is occurring.

“The potential for rebuilding stocks is currently limited by a collapsed age structure due to overfishing, low recruitment and high predation pressure,” the department said.

In a press release on Wednesday, Oceans North, an environmental group, said extending the fishery closure was “ultimately the only decision that could ensure the long-term health of the stock and the future prosperity of the fishery.”

“While rebuilding is expected to take years, we hope this decision is a step towards healthy fisheries that can support both the ecosystem and coastal livelihoods,” said Katie Schleit, director of fisheries at Oceans North, in the statement. release.

US continues mackerel fishing

Earlier this year, the United States said it would continue commercial fishing in 2023 for the depleted mackerel stock it shares with Canada.

Atlantic mackerel is a major source of bait in the lobster trade in Atlantic Canada, making the closure controversial in Atlantic Canada. Atlantic mackerel is also an important food source for other species, including seals, seabirds, whales and other fish.

Fisheries and Oceans Canada said recreational and food, social and ceremonial fisheries will remain open.

It said an exemption for the bluefin tuna fleet “to fish live Atlantic mackerel bait will continue and alternative bait trials will begin this summer.” but the department said it would “monitor this fishery to ensure removals do not undermine the goal of rebuilding Atlantic mackerel.”

Fish harvesters with permits will not have to renew them as long as the fishery remains closed, the department said. The ministry said it has no plans to revoke existing mackerel licenses because of the fishery closure.

Some Atlantic fishermen have spoken out against the moratorium, saying it hurts trade if they can’t fish for mackerel as bait. In March 2023, the Fish, Food and Allied Workers Union demanded that the fishery reopen.