Immediate Closure of Herring and Mackerel Commercial Fisheries a Broadside Into Coastal Fishing Communities

On March 30th, 2022, DFO announced the closure of the commercial fishery for herring and Atlantic mackerel to rebuild key forage fish stocks for a healthier East Coast fishery. The Coalition of Atlantic and Québec fishing organizations questions the rapidity of the government decision and the lack of transparency in the science.

Atlantic Mackerel Fishing Shut Down for the Rest of the Year

October 28, 2021 Associated Press

The federal government is shutting down the harvest of an important species of fish for the rest of the year because of concerns about overfishing.

MSC: Urgent Government Action Needed to Protect Vital Fish Stocks In The North East Atlantic

October 4, 2021 Marine Stewardship Council

Concern raised as the combined catch of mackerel, herring and blue whiting overshoots sustainable limits by 4.8 million tonnes since 2015.

Commercial Harvest of King Mackerel in Federal Waters of the Gulf of Mexico Northern Zone Will Close on June 28, 2021

June 25, 2021 NOAA Fisheries

Updated landings data indicate that commercial harvest of king mackerel in this zone has exceeded its quota.