DARTMOUTH, NS – Atlantic herring is a vital species in Atlantic Canada. As one of the largest commercial fisheries in Atlantic Canada, the Southwest Nova Scotia / Bay of Fundy herring stock directly or indirectly employs more than 1,000 people in rural Nova Scotia and New Brunswick, and contributes over $140 million to the local economy. Atlantic herring is also an important source of bait for other commercial fisheries, such as lobster and snow crab.
Despite a number of measures taken in recent years to encourage rebuilding, the Southwest Nova Scotia / Bay of Fundy Atlantic herring stock remains in the critical zone. Stronger sustainable management actions are needed to protect this important species and return it to abundance.
The Minister of Fisheries, Oceans and the Canadian Coast Guard, the Honourable Joyce Murray, announced that the 2022 total allowable catch (TAC) for the Southwest Nova Scotia / Bay of Fundy Atlantic herring stock will be 23,450 tonnes. This is a 33% decrease from last year’s TAC, which was 35,000 tonnes.
This decision reduces pressure on this stock, while recognizing the needs of communities that depend on this fishery for jobs and bait.
Fisheries and Oceans Canada (DFO) will closely monitor the status of this stock and will continue to work with harvesters, Indigenous communities and other partners to responsibly rebuild this stock to the healthy zone over time.
