The FFAW is shocked by a moratorium on the mackerel fishery in Newfoundland and Labrador and is calling on DFO to reverse the decision.

The union is calling DFO’s decision “a drastic step” given what have been positive signs of growth in the stock.

FFAW President Keith Sullivan, accusing DFO of incompetence, says the department is failing to adequately assess species critical to the economy of Newfoundland and Labrador and fish harvesters and plant workers will suffer as a result.

The union has been calling for more mackerel research for a number of years, given what it says is important changes observed in the distribution and spawning patterns that are not accounted for in DFO’s current surveys.

Trevor Jones, a harvester in LaScie says harvesters know that DFO is significantly underestimating the biomass of mackerel.

The union is requesting an urgent meeting with Minister Joyce Murray to discuss the dire consequences the closure of the fishery will have on harvesters and plant workers.

DFO’s Statement