Harvesters don’t like it but an organization which focuses on the marine ecosystem is applauding Canada’s decision to keep the mackerel fishery closed.
Oceana Canada says the difficult approach follows decades of mismanagement of the stock.
Fishery scientist Rebecca Schijins says it’s necessary to restore Atlantic Ocean ecosystems and coastal communities that these forage fish support. As a next step, Oceana Canada wishes to see a rebuilding plan which includes measures to improve monitoring, especially for recreational and bait fishing.
Photo via Oceana Canada
Meanwhile, the decision to leave the commercial capelin fishery open this year with no reduction in the quota contradicts DFO’s own policies as well as science recommendations according to Oceana. It believes that rebuilding fish stocks supports the long-term health of coastal communities.
Fishing mackerel for food and ceremonial fisheries will still be permitted.
The FFAW and Sea-NL disagree with the continuing closure of the commercial and bait mackerel fisheries.
