FFAW calling for another opening of Mackerel Bait Fishery

The FFAW is requesting a second opening of the Atlantic Mackerel Bait Fishery that was closed on August 18th.

The closure was announced for conservation purposes as landings approached the second 235 tonne portion of the total allowable catch.

The FFAW had proposed a quota of 10,000t for a directed commercial fishery in 2024 for mackerel license holders. The federal government did not respond to the request.

A moratorium on Atlantic mackerel commercial and bait fisheries was announced in March.