Recreational Fisheries Notice

May 8, 2025 - Fisheries and Oceans Canada wishes to inform the public of the new management measures in the recreational mackerel fishery in the southern Gulf of St Lawrence (Mackerel Fishing Area 16)

Seasons

April 1^st to December 31^st

Daily bag and total possession limit

The daily and total possession limit is 20 Atlantic mackerel per person when fishing recreationally.

Legal sizes for retention

No minimum size requirement.

Authorized gear

Each angler is allowed to fish in tidal waters with a maximum of one (1) line and a maximum of three (3) hooks per line.

These new management measures are being implemented to help ensure a sustainable recreational harvest and contribute to conservation objectives. This change will also support the rebuilding of the stock of Atlantic mackerel and will have overall positive impacts on the future sustainability of the resource.

For more information on this fishery, please contact:

Eric LeBlanc
Regional Senior Fisheries Management Officer
Fisheries and Oceans Canada
Moncton, New Brunswick
eric.leblanc@dfo-mpo.gc.ca