October 18, 2016
The following is an update on the Mackerel fishery after discussions
with DFO Resource Management as of October 18th, 2016:
· A
DFO variation order 2016-075 was issued advising that fishing for mackerel in
Mackerel Fishing Areas (MFA) 16 (Southern Gulf) is prohibited as of 20:00h on
October 14, 2016 to all commercial vessel-based mackerel fisheries. The
PEIFA has been advised by DFO that it will not apply to personal bait fisheries
for mackerel. Personal bait licenses include gillnet fishing only not
handline/strippers. Fishers are reminded to check herring/mackerel
bait license conditions in terms of daily limitations.
· Anyone
with questions on how this applies to the recreational fishery or what they
can/can’t fish, gear type, etc are urged to please contact your local
Conservation & Protection officer for more information.
· The
PEIFA has been advised that all other areas/provinces including NFLD, Quebec,
NB, NS and PEI are all closed to mobile and fixed gear commercial vessel based
mackerel fishing at this time.
· The
PEIFA have been advised the reason for the closure is that the quota is at or
near its Canadian allocation limit of 8000T. DFO has advised that more
information on the quota breakdown will be available later this week as fleet
numbers are being reviewed.
· Questions
around if the mackerel fishery reopening have not been confirmed as of
yet. We will continue to pursue answers and updates on this important
issue.
· For
more information on mackerel management please contact: Pierre Mallet at
506-851-7792: e-mail at Malletp@dfo-mpo.gc.ca or
Chris Mills at 902-566-7807: e-mail at Chris.Mills@dfo-mpo.gc.ca>
· The
PEIFA will post any new updates to this file as we receive them.j
Telephone: (902) 566-4050
Fax: 902-368-3748
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