Notice to Fish Harvesters - ATLANTIC MACKEREL TOTAL ALLOWABLE CATCH INCREASE - nf.26.172
July 3, 2026
FISHERIES AND OCEANS CANADA
NOTICE TO FISH HARVESTERS
nf.26.172NFB
Jul. 3, 2026
ATLANTIC MACKEREL TOTAL ALLOWABLE CATCH INCREASE
Fisheries and Oceans Canada (DFO) – July 3, 2026 – Fisheries and Oceans Canada (DFO) has increased the Total Allowable Catch (TAC) for Atlantic mackerel to 1,500 tonnes (t), replacing the previous decision that set a 500t TAC in 2025 and 2026. This TAC includes 1,400t for the personal-use bait fishery, 60t for bycatch and 20t each to support scientific sampling and live bait for the bluefin tuna fishery.
Along with the increase in TAC, DFO is setting three fishery openings for Atlantic mackerel bait fishery: May 27 (already open), and two additional openings tentatively scheduled for August, and October. A total of 466.67t will be released on each opening date. As 220t were previously released on May 27, an additional 246.67t is being released immediately.
Please be advised the Atlantic mackerel bait fishery is a competitive fishery and is intended for personal-use only. Eligible fish harvesters participating in this fishery will be restricted to a daily limit of 454 kg (1,000 lbs) to be fished by either gillnet or handline. Monitoring will be achieved using various measures, including a 100% hail-in requirement in all regions. For additional information please refer to your conditions of licence.
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For information, contact:
Erin Dunne
Resource Manager – Pelagic Fisheries
Tel.: (709) 725-4582
E-mail: erin.dunne@dfo-mpo.gc.ca