Fisheries and Oceans Canada (DFO) has increased the Total Allowable Catch (TAC) for Atlantic mackerel to 1,500 tonnes (t). This replaces the previous decision that set a 500 t TAC in 2025 and 2026.
The new TAC includes 1,400 t for the bait fishery, 60 t for bycatch and 20 t each for scientific sampling and live bait for the Atlantic bluefin tuna fishery. This decision maintains access to recreational and Food, Social and Ceremonial (FSC) fisheries and the closure of the commercial fishery.
Along with the increase in TAC, DFO is setting three fishery openings for the Atlantic mackerel bait fishery: May 27 (already open), and two additional openings tentatively scheduled for August, and October. A total of 466.67 (t) will be released on each opening date. As 220 (t) were previously released on May 27, an additional 246.67 (t) is being released immediately.
Please be advised the Atlantic mackerel bait fishery is a competitive fishery and is intended for personal-use only. 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.
The Atlantic mackerel recreational fishery is open every year from April 1 to December 31. The requirements of the fishery are outlined in the Atlantic Fishery Regulations, 1985, however, the following requirements for the recreational fishery have been in effect since 2025:
- No minimum size requirement when fishing Atlantic mackerel recreationally. This means that recreational harvesters can retain any size fish caught up to their daily possession limit of 20 mackerel without discarding large numbers of undersized fish that typically die after release.
- Reduction in the gear allowance to 1 line and 3 hooks. This means that recreational anglers are permitted to fish with a maximum of 1 line with up to 3 hooks on the line.
Todd Williams
Chair
Atlantic Mackerel Advisory Committee