Harvesters call on DFO to invest in mackerel science

The FFAW is calling on the Department of Fisheries and Oceans to invest in new science opportunities for mackerel. The union says there are signs of abundance as reported by harvesters and there is currently an inadequate level of current surveys completed by the federal government.

This comes after Minister Joyce Murray, called a moratorium on mackerel earlier this year.

FFAW-Unifor President Keith Sullivan said, “DFO is continually failing to adequately assess species that are critical to the economy of Newfoundland and Labrador.”

The FFAW says that harvesters are witnessing levels of mackerel previously unseen in areas like the Strait of Belle Isle. This in contrast with DFO’s claim that mackerel is a species of concern.