As of yesterday, based on preliminary data, commercial landings for Atlantic Mackerel are currently 8,005 tonnes. The Department will continue to closely monitor Atlantic mackerel landings and announce a closure of the commercial fishery when landings approach the 10,000 tonne commercial total allowable catch.

The PEIFA is already looking into harvesters being able to fish with hooks on their bait license in the event the fishery is shut down. This was permitted in the past to ensure bait could be caught for other fisheries, but is not guaranteed to happen in 2018.