Atlantic Mackerel Advisory Committee Bait Notice

After the second portion of the bait fishery closed, on August 18, 2024, the Department has calculated that a total of approximately 439.6 tonnes of Atlantic mackerel have been caught for the purposes of bait, which is 93.5% of the 470 tonne quota. The breakdown of landings is as follows: Maritimes Region (67.5 tonnes), Gulf Region (311.8 tonnes), Quebec Region (37.1 tonnes), and Newfoundland and Labrador Region (23.3 tonnes).

DFO is aware that harvesters across the four eastern regions are interested in seeing the Atlantic mackerel bait fishery re-open. However, any re-opening would likely result in landings exceeding the authorized 470 tonne total allowable catch. The Department also has no intention of releasing any additional quota as the status of stock remains in the Critical Zone.