The Gulf of St. Lawrence will remain closed to commercial mackerel fishing this year.
But DFO is allowing a 470-tonne so-called personal-use bait fishery for the species this spring.
The fishery has been closed for the last few years, with DFO insisting it’s taking action to rebuild shrinking stocks.
For years, the FFAW has been calling on federal officials to reconsider its decision to close the mackerel and commercial bait fishery in the Gulf of St. Lawrence, arguing the abundance of the stock is not reflected in the available science.
This year’s bait fishery quota will be split between the Atlantic provinces and Quebec.
Fish caught under such a licence is intended for personal use only and can’t be sold or traded.
Officials say the hope is that allowing the bait fishery this year will benefit harvesters without jeopardizing the rebuilding of the stock.