FFAW questioning decision to close commercial fishery

The FFAW is questioning the decision by the Department of Fisheries and Oceans to close the commercial fishery this year.

The FFAW says that fish harvesters throughout the province are reporting observations of unprecedented levels of mackerel and are calling on the government to reconsider the decision.

A moratorium was placed on mackerel earlier this year.

A harvester from Robert’s Arm, Trevor Jones says, "I’ve been at this for over 30 years and in all my years fishing, I have never seen better signs of mackerel – period."

FFAW-Unifor President Keith Sullivan said that "DFO must commit to understanding this stock with comprehensive scientific assessments. The current understanding of mackerel is woefully inadequate."