The federal government has announced the continued closure of Atlantic mackerel and commercial bait fishing in Atlantic Canada and Quebec for 2023.

According to the Department of Fisheries and Oceans, the decision is to allow the stock to rebuild, which they are hopeful can happen.

They say the most recent stock assessment found that Atlantic mackerel have declined further in the critical zone, with spawning stock biomass at its lowest-observed value.

As well, they note that stock rebuilding potential is currently limited by a collapsed age structure due to over fishing, low recruitment, and high predation pressure.

The recreational and food, social, and ceremonial fisheries will remain open.

The exemption for the Bluefin tuna fleet to fish for Atlantic Mackerel bait will continue, with alternative bait trials beginning soon. This practice will be monitored to make sure it doesn’t undermine the rebuilding of the stock.

The department says fish harvesters holding licenses do not need to renew while the closure is in place, noting that they do not intend to cancel any licenses as a result.