The FFAW says the abundance, distribution, size and condition of the mackerel seen around the province this summer illustrates the “complete disconnect” between what DFO is saying, and what harvesters are seeing.

A moratorium was imposed on the commercial mackerel fishery in the Atlantic region four years ago and the union met this week with federal minister Joanne Thompson to discuss the issue.

Union President Dwan Street says they’re cautiously optimistic that their message is being heard.
(We’re) “really just stressing again that this limited bait fishery, I mean, it’s a joke” Street told VOCM Open Line with Paddy Daly.

“The timing doesn’t work. When the time is here for harvesters in Newfoundland and Labrador to harvest that fish, the quota’s gone,” and the frustration is real in the Maritimes as well. “The department doesn’t even have a dedicated mackerel scientist” says Street.

Opposition fisheries critic Craig Pardy is calling on Minister Joanne Thompson to “do the right thing and reopen the commercial mackerel fishery.”