To: Atlantic Mackerel Advisory Committee (AMAC)
On April 25, 2024, the Minister announced a personal-use bait fishery for Atlantic mackerel with a total allowable catch (TAC) of 470 tonnes (t). This fishery will be competitive, with the TAC released in two equal parts.
Openings and closures for this fishery will be communicated through Notices to Fish Harvesters, including an interim closure if the first portion of the TAC is fully caught. The expected release date of the first 235 t is scheduled for Monday, May 27, 2024 and a re-opening for the second release of 235 t is scheduled for August. More information on the specific timing of the August release will be provided at a later date.
Eligible fish harvesters participating in this fishery will be restricted to a daily limit of 454 kg (1,000 lbs) using either gillnet or handline. The fishery will be monitored through 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 Department will actively monitor landings on a daily basis and will communicate landing data regularly.
Todd Williams
Chair
AMAC