Atlantic Mackerel Fishing in Canada Has Been Suspended Again

The Atlantic mackerel (Scomber scombrus) fishery in Canada has once again suspended fishing as planned. Fisheries and Oceans Canada (DFO) announced on July 8 that, due to the catch reaching the permitted limit during the first phase of the season, the live bait fishery for Atlantic mackerel between the northeast coast of Newfoundland and Labrador and the south coast of Nova Scotia, in Northwest Atlantic Fisheries Organization (NAFO) Zones 3 and 4, is closed effective immediately. This closure comes just days after the Canadian government announced an increase in the 2026 quota, reigniting debate about mackerel resource recovery and fisheries management policies.

 

According to information released by Fisheries and Oceans Canada, the Atlantic mackerel live bait fishery opened on May 27 this year, with an initial quota of 466 tons. As of July 8, the cumulative catch had exceeded this quota, therefore fishing was suspended in accordance with regulations.

 

This year, Canada will increase its Total Allowable Catch (TAC) for mackerel from 500 tons in 2025 to 1,500 tons, marking the first significant increase after years of strict restrictions. Under the new arrangement, the 1,500-ton quota will be released in three phases, with approximately 500 tons released in each phase. After this initial closure, the second phase is expected to open in August, and the final phase is planned to begin in October.

When announcing the quota increase, Canadian Fisheries and Oceans Minister Joanne Thompson stated that the decision took into account the latest resource assessment results, industry feedback, and the socio-economic needs of coastal communities, aiming to strike a balance between resource recovery and fisheries operations.

 

However, the government also emphasized that this quota increase does not signify the resumption of commercial mackerel fishing in Canada.

According to the quota allocation scheme, of the total 1,500-ton quota, 1,400 tons will be used for live bait supply such as lobster and snow crab, while the remaining quota will primarily be used for bycatch, scientific research, and live bait use for Atlantic bluefin tuna; commercial fishing has not been resumed.

A recent resource assessment in Canada shows that Atlantic mackerel stocks have increased by nearly 50% compared to the previous year, but remain in the "Critical Zone" within Canada's fisheries resource management framework.

 

According to data released by Fisheries and Oceans Canada, the current Atlantic mackerel spawning biomass (SSB) is approximately 20,000 tons, only about half the 40,000 tons required to enter the "Cautious Zone." The government believes that although there have been signs of recovery since 2022, there is still a significant gap to reach the recovery target, therefore, cautious management measures are still necessary at this stage.

Canada completely closed its commercial Atlantic mackerel fisheries in 2022 and extended the ban to 2023. At that time, the government believed that the continued ban was a necessary measure to help the stock recover.

 

In December 2024, Canada announced a mackerel stock recovery plan. According to model predictions, even with a complete cessation of commercial, recreational, and live bait fishing, it could still take nearly 10 years for the stock to recover to the "Cautious Zone." This is why the recent increase in quotas has sparked widespread controversy within the industry.

 

Fisheries organizations along Canada's East Coast generally support increasing quotas.

The Maritime Fishermen's Union (MFU), representing offshore fishermen in Nova Scotia and New Brunswick, stated that increasing quotas for mackerel and fall herring would help secure the live bait supply for lobster and snow crab fisheries and alleviate economic pressure on coastal communities.

MFU Executive Director Martin Mallet stated that the latest decision, based on scientific assessments and considering the real needs of thousands of fishermen and coastal communities for live bait, reflects a balance between resource conservation and socio-economic considerations.

Environmental organizations hold a completely opposite view.

 

Oceana, an international marine conservation organization, believes that the Canadian government's quota increase contradicts previously established resource recovery plans. Oceana's marine scientist, Jack Daley, stated that increasing quotas will prolong resource recovery time and could affect the future reopening of commercial fishing.

 

The Halifax-based Ecology Action Centre (EAC) also stated that the Canadian government's change to resource recovery targets established through extensive consultation two years ago has increased the risks associated with resource management.

 

Holly Isnor, head of the EAC's fisheries program, pointed out that this decision not only affects the long-term recovery of Atlantic mackerel resources but may also weaken the foundation for the future revival of commercial mackerel fisheries.

Canadian Atlantic mackerel is also a cross-border shared resource, distributed in Canadian and U.S. waters, where management policies are currently inconsistent between the two countries.

 

While Canada implemented a fishing ban in 2022, the United States continues to permit commercial and recreational fishing. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) 2025 resource assessment concluded that there is no overfishing of Atlantic mackerel in U.S. waters, with spawning biomass increasing from 16,453 tons in 2015 to 94,702 tons in 2024, a 475.6% increase. However, U.S. commercial and recreational landings decreased from 9,890 tons to 2,698 tons during the same period.

 

The Canadian government stated that one reason for increasing quotas was that the United States had already increased its Atlantic mackerel quotas. If Canada continues to maintain a zero-catch benchmark, it will not only increase the reliance of fisheries such as lobster on imported live bait but also place greater economic pressure on coastal communities and fishing operations.

 

With the first round of 466-ton quotas completed, Canada's Atlantic mackerel live-bait fishery has once again entered a suspension phase this year. The second phase of quotas is expected to reopen in August, but discussions surrounding the speed of resource recovery, demand for live bait, and the future of commercial fisheries will continue to influence Canada's Atlantic mackerel management policy.