2024 Atlantic Mackerel bait fishery

Fisheries and Oceans Canada (DFO) – May 16, 2024 - Fisheries and Oceans Canada will be releasing a total allowable catch of 470 tonnes (t) for the Atlantic mackerel personal-use bait fishery in two equal parts. This will be a competitive fishery and the first release of 235 t will open to harvesters in all four DFO regions in Atlantic Canada and Quebec on Monday May 27, 2024. If the first 235 t quota is fully caught, harvesters will be alerted of an interim closure through a Notice to Fish Harvesters. The second 235 t release will also be conveyed through a Notice to Fish Harvesters with an expected release date in August.

Eligible fish harvesters participating in this fishery will be restricted to a daily limit of 454 kg (1,000 lbs) to be fished by either gillnet or handline. Monitoring will be achieved using various measures, including a 100% hail-in requirement in all regions. DFO regional offices will be in contact with additional information related to conditions of licence, which will be available through the National Online Licensing System.

The upcoming 2024 Atlantic mackerel bait fishery will also provide harvesters the opportunity to collect length frequencies on a voluntary basis, which can aid to inform the age structure of the stock for future stock assessments. Further information will be provided to harvesters through regionally-issued notices.

For additional information

Derek Mahoney

Manager, Fisheries Management

Fisheries and Oceans Canada

Ottawa