Moncton, New Brunswick (NB) – May 7, 2025 – Fisheries and Oceans Canada (DFO) announces the Conservation Harvesting Plan (CHP) for the 2025-2026 mackerel bait fishery in the southern Gulf of St. Lawrence in Mackerel Fishing Area 16. The bait fishery (mackerel only) will open on May 15, 2025 at 4h00 ADT.
Eligible fish harvesters who wish to participate in this fishery must refer to Conditions of Licence that will be available on the National Online Licensing System.
NEW IN 2025-2026
The voluntary use of an electronic logbook (ELOG) is allowed in 2025-2026. Additional information can be found on the following website: Electronic logbooks (ELOGS).
OTHER MANAGEMENT MEASURES
First allocation
The first allocation is set at 220 t within the Atlantic Canada and Quebec Regions.
Authorized species
Conditions of licence are only valid for mackerel.
Mandatory hail out
Mandatory hail out is required for all license holders going out on a fishing trip.
Mandatory hail in
Mandatory hail in is required for all license holders entering port after a fishing trip. An accurate catch estimate must be provided before entering port.
Mandatory logbook
Gulf Region harvesters must obtain either a paper logbook or an electronic logbook from a prequalified supplier listed on the following websites:
- Herring and Mackerel logbook - Fixed gear (paper format): Prequalified Logbook Suppliers.
- Electronic logbook (Elog): Qualified electronic logbooks (ELOG) client applications.
Maximum daily limit
The maximum daily quantity of mackerel authorized to catch and retain is 454 kg in total.
Gear authorized
A maximum of 3 gillnets for a maximum total length of 50 fathoms with a minimum mesh size of 66.7 mm or; a maximum of 36 hooks and a maximum of 6 lines.
Fishing restrictions
It is strictly forbidden to sell any species of fish caught under the authority of a bait licence.
REPORTING REQUIREMENTS
Harvesters must refer to the conditions of licence for reporting requirements for items such as:
- Species at Risk
- Marine mammal interaction
- Lost gear reporting
- Retrieved gear reporting