INTEGRATED FISHERIES MANAGEMENT PLAN ATLANTIC MACKEREL
2002-2006
Table of Contents
- INTRODUCTION
- BIOLOGICAL SYNOPSIS
- OVERVIEW OF THE FISHERY
- STOCK STATUS
- CURRENT MANAGEMENT ISSUES
- LONG-TERM OBJECTIVES FOR THE FISHERY
- SPECIFIC MANAGEMENT OBJECTIVES
- MANAGEMENT MEASURES FOR 2002-2006
- ENFORCEMENT MEASURES
- FINANCIAL RESPONSIBILITIES
ANNEXES
TABLES
FIGURES
This plan is designed to govern the harvesting of Atlantic mackerel during
the period 2002-2006.
Since 1994, recorded mackerel landings from Canadian waters have dropped to
below 20,000t annually. Nova Scotia and Newfoundland are the Atlantic provinces
with the highest mean landings. On a smaller geographic scale, landings may
fluctuate significantly from one year to the next. The fluctuations are due to
great variability in seasonal migration patterns, although fishing grounds
usually remain the same.
The most commonly used types of gear for Atlantic mackerel in Canada are
gillnets and handlines. Gillnets are used mostly in spring and handlines in
fall. Traps, which are used chiefly in the spring in Nova Scotia, are also
important. As well, fall catches by purse seiners on the west coast of
Newfoundland are significant. The success of this fishery is strongly dependent
on environmental conditions, including water temperature and prevailing
winds.
Sources of uncertainty lie with bait and recreational catches, which are not
included in the Department of Fisheries and Ocean's official statistics, as well
as the fact that all fishing areas are not always covered systematically by the
commercial sampling program. In this regard, this Plan introduces improved
collection of fisheries landings data through mandatory logbook submissions.
Annual reviews of the available scientific information may lead to changes in
the Total Allowable Catches (TAC) over the period of this plan. The Minister of
Fisheries and Oceans may change any provision of this plan, as the need arises,
consistent with all applicable legislation.
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The Atlantic mackerel (Scomber scombrus L.) is a member of the large family
Scombridae, which is widely distributed throughout tropical and temperate waters
around the world. Scombridae have slender, laterally compressed bodies, making
them strong swimmers. They can travel long distances in tight schools, which can
sometimes be very large. Scombridae also include a large number of species, of
which the best known are tunas. Of the three species in the genus Scomber, the
Atlantic mackerel has the most northerly distribution. The Atlantic mackerel
also differs from the other two species in the genus Scomber in that it does not
have a swim bladder, forcing it to swim continually in order to breathe.
In the northwest Atlantic, the spatial distribution of the Atlantic mackerel
extends from Cape Hatteras, off North Carolina, to the Gulf of St. Lawrence and
the east coast of Newfoundland (Figure 1). Within this region there are also two
separate spawning areas, located respectively along the New Jersey coast and in
the southern Gulf of St. Lawrence (Northwest Atlantic Fisheries Organization
Division 4T).
Figure 1 - Distribution of Atlantic
Mackerel
Distribution of the Atlantic mackerel in the Northwest Atlantic
and main fishing areas in Canadian waters.
In the southern Gulf of St. Lawrence, spawning generally takes place in June
and early July. The highest concentrations of eggs generally are found in the
area west of the Magdalen Islands (Figure 2). During spawning, surface water
temperatures are also highest in this area.
Figure 2 - Distribution of Mackerel
Eggs
Distribution of mackerel eggs (number per square metre) for the first pass of
the abundance survey conducted in June 2000 in the southern Gulf of St. Lawrence
(the shades are associated with the surface water temperatures as measured by
satellite).
The Atlantic mackerel are considered multiple spawners because each female
spawns several times during the spawning season, and the spawning is
asynchronous, meaning that it can occur at any time during the day or night.
Freshly spawned eggs (Figure 3) range from 1.09 mm to 1.36 mm in diameter and
the larvae measure about 3 mm long upon hatching. The larvae become juveniles
around 50 mm in length and begin to form schools, which migrate toward coastal
areas. 250X
Figure 3 - Photograph of Mackerel Egg
Sample
Photograph of a mackerel egg sampled in the southern Gulf of St.
Lawrence. The body (A) and the head (B) of the embryo are clearly visible, as is
the crown of pigments (C), which is one of the most important characteristics
for identifying mackerel eggs.
Mackerel is a fast-growing species, measuring approximately 255 mm by the end
of the second year (age 1+) (Figure 4). Most growth occurs during the first few
years, with females growing more rapidly after the age of four. Growth rates may
also vary from year to year and from one year-class to another. In fact, fish
from the dominant year-classes grow more slowly. The species feeds primarily on
plankton, and the adult diet includes small fish and squid.
Figure 4 - Length at Age
Mean Length (mm) at age in mackerel sampled in Canadian coastal
waters since the early 1970s.
The mackerel's condition is at its lowest in spring, while the highest values
are seen in fall. The annual variations in the mackerel's condition during
spawning are similar to the fluctuations in water temperature of the Cold
Intermediate Layer (CIL). Over the years, this similarity has been observed in
different age groups and in all the year-classes that have dominated commercial
catches.
The mackerel's fat content is also lowest in spring. During spawning, it is
about 5%. Once the spawning period is over, the fat content gradually rises
during the summer, to 20% or more by the fall. Fat content varies from year to
year and also depending on the size of the fish.
In comparison with other species, mackerel reach sexual maturity quickly,
with 50% of mackerel being mature at a length of approximately 273 mm. However,
there are annual variations in this length (Figure 5). All mackerel reach
maturity by the time they are about 340 mm long, and nearly half of two-year-old
mackerel and all mackerel aged four and over are mature.
Figure 5 - Median Length at Maturity
Median length at maturity calculated from a macroscopic
examination of the gonads from commercial samples collected since 1975 in
Canadian coastal waters.
The demographic structure of the mackerel population is characterized by the
periodic arrival of a dominant year-class. Some of these classes are so large
that they dominate all commercial catches for several years (Figure 6).
Examining annual length frequency distributions can also easily follow these
year-classes. Research is still under way in an effort to better understand why
some year-classes are larger than others.
Figure 6 - Canadian Catches at Age
Canadian catches at age (%) for mackerel during the 1973-2001
period (the year-classes that dominated the fishery for several years are
indicated; age group 10 represents all fish aged 10 or over).
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Very little is known about early mackerel fishing methods. However, when the
Europeans arrived in Canada, a number of First Nations were already fishing for
mackerel using gillnets, which they set at night and hauled in the morning. The
ends of the nets were sometimes attached to two moving vessels. This type of
drift gillnet fishing was even observed by Jacques Cartier in Gaspé Bay as early
as 1534! The first settlers also made use of gillnets and beach seines. In the
1800s, handlines, weirs and traps were used. The first traps likely consisted of
modified beach seines. They had no bottom and were used only near the shore, in
depths of no more than about ten fathoms. In the 1960s, traps with bottoms were
used, which enabled the fishermen to explore new fishing grounds. Finally, with
the technological developments of the 1900s, trawls and purse seines began to be
used in the mackerel fishery.
Today, the main gear used in the mackerel fishery are traps and gillnets in
Nova Scotia, gillnets, handlines and purse seines in the Gulf of St. Lawrence
and handlines and purse seines on the both coasts of Newfoundland. They are used
near the shore and generally at the same locations.
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3.1 Participants
Table 1 below gives an overview of the number of participants who held an
Atlantic mackerel fishing licence in 2001 by gear type and by Department of
Fisheries and Oceans (DFO) Region.
Table 1 - Atlantic Mackerel Fishing Licences in
2001
REGION |
NUMBER OF LICENCES IN 2001 BY GEAR TYPE |
Mackerel Weirs |
Handine |
Gillnet |
Trapnet |
Mobile seiners <65' |
Mobile seiners >65' |
Bait Licences |
Recrea-tional |
TOTAL |
Quebec |
|
30 |
720* |
8 |
23 |
nil |
1,077 |
Nil |
1,858 |
Newfoundland |
|
¬
|
1,642** |
®
|
279 |
5 |
2,613 |
Nil |
4,539 |
Gulf |
|
2,900 |
2,564 |
20 |
306 |
3 |
1,564 |
Nil |
7,357 |
Maritimes |
47 |
|
1,780 |
205 |
45 |
|
1,122 |
Nil |
3,199 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
16,953 |
* Are also authorized to use handlines.
** No breakdown for fixed gear licences.
3.2 Location of the Fishery
The Northwest Atlantic mackerel fishery was characterized by a period of very
intensive activity from the mid-1960s to the introduction of the 200 nautical
mile economic exclusion zone in 1977. During that period, foreign vessels
fishing primarily in the Georges Bank and Scotian Shelf region (Figure 1) took
annual landings of several hundred thousand tonnes (Figure 7).
A second period of intensive fishing occurred in U.S. waters in the 1980s
under agreements between the United States and Russia. During that period,
mackerel catches totalled close to 100,000t per year.
Figure 7 - Annual Mackerel Landings and TAC
for the Northwest Atlantic
In Canadian waters, Nova Scotia and Newfoundland account for the largest
share of mackerel landings, with annual averages of 6,397t and 4,133t,
respectively, for the period 1990 to 2000 (Table 2). They are followed by Prince
Edward Island, Quebec and New Brunswick, with average annual landings of 3,909t,
3,596t and 1,950t, respectively.
Table 2 - Annual Mackerel Landings by Province
since 1990
PROVINCE |
YEAR |
AVERAGE |
|
1995 |
1996 |
1997 |
1998 |
1999 |
2000 |
2001* |
(1995-2000) |
(1990-2000) |
|
Nova Scotia |
6,681 |
5,517 |
5,669 |
4,562 |
4,797 |
2,710 |
2,707 |
4,989 |
6,397 |
New Brunswick |
2,206 |
2,683 |
1,990 |
1,682 |
1,373 |
223 |
394 |
1,693 |
1,950 |
Prince Edward Island |
2,518 |
4,017 |
6,693 |
6,784 |
3,842 |
1,459 |
1,660 |
4,219 |
3,909 |
Quebec |
3,382 |
4,317 |
5,769 |
4,066 |
5,104 |
1,711 |
2,892 |
4,058 |
3,596 |
Newfoundland |
2,862 |
3,830 |
1,188 |
2,149,91 |
1,445 |
3,734 |
7,647 |
2,53, |
4,133 |
Undetermined |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
15 |
8 |
|
TOTAL |
17,650 |
20,364 |
21,309 |
19,334 |
16,561 |
9,837 |
15,301 |
17,509 |
19,993 |
The majority of landings are from the southern Gulf of St. Lawrence, more
specifically NAFO division 4T (Figure 1), where average annual landings total
9,460t. Significant mackerel landings are also taken in divisions 4R, 4X and 4V,
with annual averages of 3,625t, 3,524t, and 1,223t, respectively.
The main subdivisions or unit areas are 4Tl, on the east coast of New
Brunswick, and 4Tf, in the Magdalen Islands (Figure 1). Landings in these
subdivisions average 3,759t and 3,224t per year, respectively. Area 4Xm near
Halifax, Nova Scotia, has landings of 2,986t, followed by unit areas 4Rb and 4Rc
on the west coast of Newfoundland, and subdivision 4Vn at the entrance of the
Gulf of St. Lawrence, with average annual landings of 1,173t, 1,493t and 1,323t
respectively.
A map of Mackerel Fishing Areas is attached at Annex VIII.
3.3 Timeframe of the Fishery
In Nova Scotia, the gillnet and trap fisheries for mackerel take place
primarily in June and July, as does the gillnet fishery in the Gulf of St.
Lawrence. Most nets are fixed, except for a drift fishery in Chaleurs Bay and in
the part of the Gulf between New Brunswick, Prince Edward Island and the
Magdalen Islands. In late summer and fall, commercial mackerel fishermen carry
out a handline fishery in the Gulf of St. Lawrence and Nova Scotia and a purse
seine fishery on the west and east coasts of Newfoundland and in Cape Breton.
The mackerel handline fishery (with feather lures) expanded substantially in the
mid-1980s, as did the purse seine fishery on the west coast of Newfoundland. In
the 1970s and 1980s, fishermen from Prince Edward Island engaged in a purse
seine fishery. However, since the mid-1990s, they have increasingly turned to a
spring drift gillnet fishery. Fishermen from the Gaspé region have recently
begun a fall handline fishery.
Mackerel generally arrives in southwestern Nova Scotia in May. It arrives in
Cape Breton in early June with impressive regularity. As indicated in the catch
data of an index fisherman from the area, the date of the start of migration in
this region varies annually only by a few days. The dates corresponding to 25%,
50% (median) and 75% of landings are June 1 (day 152 of the year), June 7 (day
158 of the year) and June 15 (day 166 of the year) (Figure 8).
Figure 8 - Cumulative Mackerel Landings
Recorded by an Index Fisherman in Cape Breton
Cumulative mackerel landings (%) recorded by an index fisherman
from Cape Breton, whose traps are located near the entrance of the Gulf of
St. Lawrence.
According to the same data, the migration of mackerel to the Gulf of St.
Lawrence is believed to be relatively fast. For 1980 and 1990, 50% of total
landings were taken in just over 12 days. Spring mackerel migration generally
ends in early July. At that point, immature mackerel are present in the
immediate vicinity of Cape Breton and St. Margaret's Bay near Halifax. They may
enter the Gulf of St. Lawrence, depending on temperature conditions.
Migration out of the Gulf of St. Lawrence begins in September and the fishery
can continue into October and even early November. On the east coast of
Newfoundland, small seiners can continue to catch mackerel until very late in
the fall. These fish are generally from the Gulf of St. Lawrence, which they
leave earlier in the season, i.e. in July and August, through the Strait of
Belle Isle, if water temperature conditions are favourable. In the past,
juvenile mackerel have been caught on Newfoundland's Grand Banks in July. The
presence of these fish at that time of year is an indication that adults had
spawned in that region. In addition, the latter likely came not from the Gulf of
St. Lawrence but from the Scotian Shelf or the region between Cape Breton and
Newfoundland.
Mackerel is taken as an incidental catch in other fisheries, such as the Gulf
of St. Lawrence herring fishery or the groundfish fishery that once existed on
the Scotian Shelf. It is also taken as an incidental catch in scientific trawl
surveys on the Scotian Shelf (Figure 9).
Figure 9 - Summer Mackerel Catches in
Groundfish Abundance Surveys
Summer mackerel catches (mean number per tow) in groundfish abundance surveys
(for the 1979-2001 period).
3.4 Landings/Value
In the late 1980s and early 1990s, landings of Atlantic mackerel averaged
more than 21,000t annually. Since 1995, landings have dropped, averaging about
17,500t per year (Table 2). The overall value of the fishery has increased, from
an annual average of $7 million in the early 1990s, to about $9 million since
1995.
3.5 Consultative Process
Throughout Atlantic Canada and Quebec, the Department of Fisheries and Oceans
holds annual regional consultations on small pelagic fish issues, including
mackerel issues. The Department solicits the opinions of industry on past
regional management practices and on regional management measure recommendations
for the coming season's fishery.
In the Gulf, Quebec and Newfoundland Regions, consultations take place in a
forum known as the Small Pelagic Advisory Committee. In Newfoundland Region
consultations occur also through a second advisory forum, the 4R Herring
Co-Management Committee. In the Maritimes Region, the forum is the Mackerel
Advisory Committee. Membership on these committees is attached under Annex
V.
From time to time, these groups get together Atlantic-wide to address the
multi-year Atlantic mackerel plan. Membership of the Atlantic-wide group is
composed of members from each of the regional small pelagics groups.
Final approval and distribution of Atlantic-wide plans is undertaken by
DFO-Ottawa.
3.6 Management Style
The Canadian Atlantic mackerel fishery is a competitive fishery. The TAC for
2002 has been set at 75,000t, a reduction of 25, 000t from 100,000t, which had
been the TAC since 1989. Catch levels for the following years will be
established based on scientific advice. The new TAC does not present a
constraint on mackerel catches Atlantic-wide, with catches in recent years
averaging 23,000t annually. A decrease in reported catches has been observed
since 1998 and preliminary figures for 2000 indicate landings in the order of
17,000t.
The TAC is shared 60% for traditional inshore fisheries and 40% for an
exploratory mobile gear fishery. Mobile gear fishing activities are restricted
to areas defined in Annexes I-IV.
3.7 Links with activities under the Oceans' Act and other planning
initiatives
Linkages between this Plan and other activities and initiatives pursuant to
the Oceans Act are under development. Such linkages may include the creation of
offshore ocean management and marine protected areas. The Species at Risk Act,
when enacted, may also have linkages.
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4.1 Biology, Environment, Habitat
Unlike other fish species, certain aspects of the biology of Atlantic
mackerel have a profound impact on the success of the fishery. The first of
these aspects involves the swim bladder, one of the functions of which is to
enable fish to maintain hydrostatic equilibrium without necessarily having to
move. Because the mackerel does not have a swim bladder, it must be in constant
motion in order not to sink to the bottom or rise to the surface. Second,
because the internal anatomy of the mouth of the Atlantic mackerel does not
allow water to be actively circulated to the gills, the oxygenation of blood is
achieved through the constant movement of the fish. As a result, the presence of
mackerel near certain shores may be very brief. For that reason, the mackerel
season is relatively short by comparison with that of more sedentary species.
These two features of the biology of the Atlantic mackerel could also account
for the long migrations this species undertakes each year.
Tank experiments have shown that Atlantic mackerel prefers water temperatures
of approximately 7°C or higher. Because a mackerel cannot maintain its body
temperature, unlike tuna for example, its movements are highly influenced by
water temperature conditions. These conditions affect not only the pattern and
timing of annual migrations, but also the depth at which they take place, both
on the Scotian Shelf (Figure 10) and in the Gulf of St. Lawrence
(Figure 11).
Figure 10 - Typical Water Temperature Profile
off the Scotian Shelf
Typical water temperature (°C) profile in the water column off
the Scotian Shelf. At this location, in the early 1990s, the largest mackerel
catches by foreign vessels were still taken at a depth of roughly 120 m, i.e.,
in a layer of water (grey quadrilateral) in which the temperature is higher than
at the surface or at the bottom.
Figure 11 - Typical Water Temperature
Profiles in Gulf of St. Lawrence (June)
Typical water temperature profiles in the Gulf of St. Lawrence
measured during mackerel egg surveys (June). Given that mackerel prefers water
temperatures above approximately 7°C, it should be present at the time of
spawning in the upper 20 metres of water (the zone in which mackerel is present
is indicated by the grey quadrilateral).
In inshore areas where fishing gear is used, the success of the mackerel
fishery may also be tied to the prevailing winds. Depending on the direction and
velocity of the prevailing winds, these areas are often characterized by
cold-water upwellings to the surface. During such upwellings, catches may be
less frequent or the arrival of mackerel into a specific region may be delayed
or even prevented altogether. In some cases, these cold-water upwellings may
signal the end of the fishing season (Figures 12A and 13B).
Figure 12 - (A) Atlantic Mackerel
Landings on West Coast of Nfld. in the fall of 1997. (B) Water Temperatures
Recorded at 1m and 25m.
Atlantic mackerel landings (t) on the west coast of Newfoundland
in the fall of 1997 and water temperatures recorded at 1 m and 25 m (B) (the
horizontal line represents the 7°C mark). The arrow indicates a rapid drop in
water temperature associated with the presence of prevailing winds from the
northeast. At the time of this drop, when water temperatures fell below 7-8°C,
the fishing season ended.
In the Gulf of St. Lawrence, the late 1980s and 1990s were characterized by
the cooling and expansion of the Cold Intermediate Layer or CIL. During this
period, a decrease in the condition of mackerel was measured during June
spawning (Figure 13).
Figure 13 - Mean Condition Factor for
Mackerel in June
Mean condition factor for mackerel in June and average
temperature (°C) of the 30 to 100 m layer of the CIL.
A decline in the abundance of plankton collected in egg surveys was also
measured during the same time period (Figure 14). The highest abundances were
measured in 1982, 1988 and 2000. In 1982 and 1988, they were associated with
dominant year classes.
Figure 14 - Abundance Index of
Plankton
Abundance index of plankton sampled in egg surveys in the
southern Gulf of St. Lawrence. The circles indicate years in which there were
two dominant year classes. The importance of the 2000 year class will be
verified in a few years when the fish comprising it are fully recruited into the
fishery.
4.2 Species Interactions
Atlantic mackerel is a key component of the marine ecosystem. It is the prey
of a number of species of fish, birds and marine mammals, and is also a predator
of many species at some point in their life cycle. Studies are currently under
way to define the possible relationships between the main species of fish,
including mackerel, and invertebrates of the Gulf of St. Lawrence.
4.3 Assessment
The abundance of mackerel spawning in the Gulf of St. Lawrence is currently
estimated on the basis of egg survey data. Egg surveys are carried out every two
years and consist in collecting samples at regularly distributed stations using
plankton nets. At each station, an average number of eggs per unit area is
calculated and extrapolated for the entire area sampled to obtain daily and
annual egg productions. The figures are converted to reproductive biomass data,
taking account of certain biological characteristics of the females.
4.3.1 Modification of the abundance index
Ongoing efforts are being made to improve mackerel biomass estimates. In
recent years, changes have been made to the number of stations to be sampled in
a survey, the egg and plankton sampling technique and the calculations of
average egg densities for the entire area sampled. In addition, shortcomings
associated with the theoretical model for calculating daily egg production and
production for the entire spawning season were corrected in 1996 through the use
of the Daily Fecundity Reduction Method (DFRM). Basic calculations associated
with this method do not take account of the theoretical model describing
spawning. In addition, this method does not require knowledge of total or annual
egg production, the calculation of which is also based on the same theoretical
model. However, the use of DFRM requires considerable resources, and the series
currently comprises only three years.
In 2001, a new model describing daily egg production based on daily
gonadosomatic index values was used. For each year in which a survey was
conducted, a logistic curve was fitted to the index values and new annual models
were constructed (Figure 15). In addition to these changes, new temperature data
were used to calculate incubation duration, a variable used in the calculation
of daily egg production.
Figure 15 - Daily Egg Proportion during
Spawning
New model (solid line) now used to calculate daily egg
proportion during the spawning season. A model is constructed each year a survey
is conducted on the basis of gonadosomatic index values.
4.3.2 New biomass estimates
The new biomass estimates are different from those associated with the
theoretical model but very similar to those calculated in 1996, 1998 and 2000
using the DFRM (Figure 16). These estimates much more closely describe the
recruitment episodes that have occurred in the Gulf since 1982. In contrast,
significant biomass differences still exist between certain years and cannot be
easily explained by the current level of catches. Although mackerel reproductive
biomass values are now well estimated using the egg index, their accuracy for
the entire stock appears to be affected by one or more mechanisms other than the
fishery. For example, the proportion of fish entering the Gulf of St. Lawrence
to spawn could vary from year to year.
Figure 16 - Reproductive Biomass of
Mackerel
Reproductive biomass (t) of mackerel calculated using two different
approaches (TEPM: Total Egg Production Method; DFRM: Daily Fecundity Reduction
Method).
The majority of fish in the 1999 year-class will be mature in 2002. The
actual strength of this year-class may therefore be verified if larger egg
concentrations are measured in the egg survey.
4.3.3 Analytical evaluation (Sequential Population Analysis)
In recent years, efforts have been made to determine a suitable formulation
for SPA (Sequential Population Analysis). It is difficult to apply this method
to mackerel because the abundance index is not disaggregated by age and because
catch at age is underestimated, as are corresponding landings, since catches
used as bait are not included in the official statistics.
4.4 Research
A number of research projects could be implemented to improve our knowledge
of the biology of mackerel or simply to meet the requests or needs of industry.
With the exception of regular activities associated with the assessment of stock
abundance, the only other projects currently under way are those funded by
industry on maturity at age, maturity at size and the distinction of U.S. and
Canadian stocks based on genetics. The latter project is critical given that
mackerel stocks straddle the Canada - U.S. border.
4.5 Prospects for 2002-2006
Since the mid-1990s, the egg survey has indicated a reduction in mackerel
abundance. This reduction has also been observed by fishermen, especially for
larger specimens, who generally arrive first in the spring. This lack of mature
specimens in the catch was also predicted, given the longevity of mackerel and
the absence of a dominant year-class for several years.
To date, all indications would seem to suggest that the 1999 year-class will
be a dominant year-class, which, in itself, is very good news. However, its
actual strength will be measured in upcoming egg surveys and when it is fully
recruited into the fishery. For now, this year-class has only been observed in
non-selective gear, such as traps and purse seines.
In the last 25 years, the commercial Atlantic mackerel fishery in the
northwest Atlantic has essentially shifted from a fleet of foreign trawlers to a
fleet of smaller Canadian vessels fishing in inshore waters only. The methods
for evaluating abundance and analyzing commercial data have also changed, such
that the traditional image of an immense under-exploited stock has gradually
been replaced by one of a stock that, albeit not necessarily in poor health, is
based on the presence of dominant year classes. And when the latter are late to
arrive, as was the case in the 1990s, the result is a significant decline in
abundance and, consequently, a more prudent management approach. In this sense,
the mandatory use of logbooks by all fishermen is a step in the right direction.
However, once this system is in place, it will be important for all fishermen to
properly complete their logbooks since effective monitoring of a stock requires
the proper documentation of all catches.
4.6 References
Grégoire, F. 2000. (ed.). Atlantic mackerel (Scomber scombrus L.) of NAFO
Subareas 2 to 6. Canadian Stock Assessment Secretariat Research Document
2000/021. 452 p.
Grégoire, F., G. Morrier, C. Lévesque and J. Hudon. 2001. Status of the stock
of Atlantic mackerel (Scomber scombrus L.) in NAFO Subareas 3 and 4 in 2000.
Canadian Science Advisory Secretariat Research Document 2001/081. 129 p.
DFO, 2002. Atlantic Mackerel of the Northwest Atlantic - Update (2001) DFO -
Science. Stock Status Report B4-04 (2002).
4.7 Internet Site
Canadian Science Advisory Secretariat:
http://www.dfo-mpo.gc.ca/csas/
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Catches of mackerel used as bait do not appear in the DFO's official
statistics, which are based on processing plant purchase receipts. Recreational
fishing, which is very popular in summer, is not counted either. As these
activities are common in several parts of the Maritimes and Quebec, real
mackerel catches may well be underestimated.
Due to the lack of strong recruitment in the last few years, maintaining a
Canadian TAC of 100,000t was no longer considered to be advisable. As a result,
the TAC was reduced to 75,000t in 2002.
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- Conservation of the resource for long-term sustainable utilization.
- Co-management of the mackerel resource to ensure full participation by the
stakeholders, developing partnerships where applicable.
- Stakeholders are defined as holders of either traditional or exploratory
mackerel licences.
- Priority access to the mackerel fishery will be provided to the inshore
sector. Protection of traditional inshore markets will continue.
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7.1 Conservation/Sustainability
Conservation of the resource for long term sustainable utilization.
To improve the existing index fishery program using commercial mackerel
fishermen to enhance scientific data collection and provide a greater industry/
science co-operative effort in the mackerel stock status evaluation process.
To improve fishery statistics, by the implementation of mandatory logbooks
for most fishers including bait fishers. Small vessels (less than 35 ft.) in
Newfoundland are excluded from this requirement, as their landings are sporadic.
The logbooks will also help to determine where fish are, which would facilitate
the study of relationships between mackerel distribution and certain
environmental variables. The extent to which the objective of improving fishery
statistics is achieved, will be assessed during the post-season analysis
conducted each year of this plan.
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7.2 International Considerations and Obligations
Two stocks of mackerel are found in the Northwest Atlantic and each has its
own spawning areas.
The southern stock spawns in March and April along the New York/New Jersey
coast while the northern stock spawns in June and July mainly in the Gulf of St.
Lawrence.
Because of the transboundary nature of the stocks, it is conceivable that at
some point in the future a joint (international) management plan would be
considered.
7.3 Domestic Considerations
(a) Aboriginal
It is the policy of the Department of Fisheries and Oceans to encourage
Aboriginal participation and integration into coastal commercial fisheries.
There are currently 14 mackerel licences that are issued to Aboriginal groups
in Atlantic Canada.
These licences were retired, then re-issued to Aboriginal groups through the
DFO Allocation Transfer Program (ATP), a component of the Aboriginal Fisheries
Strategy (AFS). In keeping with DFO's overall objective of resource
conservation, the ATP facilitates the voluntary retirement of commercial
licences and the issuance of licences to eligible Aboriginal groups and
organizations in a manner that does not add to the existing fishing effort on
the resource.
(b) Recreational Fishery
To allow access for recreational fishers subject to the availability of
mackerel and by-catch considerations in other fisheries.
(c) Commercial
To maximize the access to mackerel and to maximize the value of the available
quota, ensuring maximum utilization of available quota and maximum participation
by various fleet sectors.
(d) Exploratory/Experimental
In addition to the traditional fishery, an exploratory fishery will be
conducted by issuing exploratory mobile gear licences to current holders of
existing herring mobile gear licences not already eligible for a mackerel mobile
gear licence. In accordance with Annexes I-IV, exploratory licence holders may
be required to sign a Memorandum of Agreement containing terms and conditions
aimed at ensuring the protection of traditional inshore markets.
This provision and possible amendments to it will be discussed by
stakeholders in consultations over the next couple of years. This approach is in
line with allowing stakeholders to substantially increase their input to the
management of the fishery while allowing the department to concentrate on its
core conservation responsibility.
Exploratory fishing licences will only be issued to individuals using
Canadian vessels.
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8.1 Fishing Seasons
Fishing seasons are as defined in the Regional Management Measures, Annexes
I-IV.
8.2 Control and Monitoring of Fishing Activities
The annual Total Allowable Catch (TAC) is adjusted in accordance with
scientific recommendations and consultations with industry. For 2002 the TAC was
reduced to 75,000t from the previous level of 100,000t. This was done in
response to concerns that the spawning biomass of mackerel was at low levels and
a TAC of 100,000t was considered unsustainable.
Fishermen conducting fishing activities are responsible for the completion
and submission of mandatory logbooks including scientific data to assist in
research on a continuing basis.
Fishing activities will be restricted to areas defined in Annexes I-IV.
8.3 Quota Allocations
The present sharing arrangement for mobile gear at 60% for inshore and 40%
for exploratory will be maintained.
Table 3 - Total Allowable Catch (2000)
Traditional inshore
fisheries (existing mackerel fixed and mobile gear) |
45,000t |
Exploratory mobile gear fishery |
30,000t |
TOTAL ALLOWABLE CATCH (2002) |
75,000t |
8.4 Other Relevant Elements
a) Licensing
Specific licensing policies governing the issuance of commercial fishing
licences for Atlantic Canada are contained in the Commercial Fisheries Licensing
Policy for Eastern Canada.
Licensing provisions for mackerel fisheries are contained in the Regional
Management Provisions, Annexes I-IV.
b) Key Legislation
- Fisheries Act
- Fishery (General) Regulations
- Atlantic Fishery Regulations, 1985
- Oceans Act
c) Conservation Harvesting Techniques and Selective Fishing
Requirements
Fishers in all Regions are required to use a gill net less than 83 mm.
In the Newfoundland Region, the use of mobile gear (other than purse seine)
may be authorized on a trial basis for existing purse seine licence holders who
are core designated subject to submission and approval of a Conservation
Harvesting Plan that addresses all conservation related aspects of the fishery.
Industry-funded 100% at-sea observer coverage will be mandatory during any
fishery approved on a trial basis.
Also in the Newfoundland Region, to reduce the potential for by-catch of
other species (especially salmon), for trapnet leaders, a mesh size between 3⅝
and 7 inches and the use of monofilament netting material will be prohibited.
When fishing in Mackerel Fishing Areas 12 to 14, both pelagic purse seine and
fixed gear fishing gear may be on board a vessel only when there is an at-sea
observer on board.
d) Safety at Sea
This Plan endeavours to ensure that its implementation will not result in
unsafe situations for fishermen at sea. As of this writing, there are no known
aspects of the Plan, which would make it inconsistent with relevant federal and
provincial acts and regulations pertaining to health and safety at sea.
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9.1 Overview
Although the amount of enforcement effort dedicated to mackerel is relatively
small, most fisheries for the species occur in close proximity to other
activities for which the patrol frequency may be higher. The St. Margaret's Bay
trapnet fishery is a good example of this as it occurs in an area that supports
numerous other fisheries for which officers must conduct patrols.
9.1.1 Main Program Activities / Patrol Vessels / Air Surveillance
Approximately 500 officer hours were dedicated to mackerel in 2001. Over half
of this was directed to the St. Margaret's Bay trapnet fishery and involved
either small program vessel patrols or landings checks. Aerial surveillance of
mackerel fisheries is mostly ancillary to patrols for other activities.
Table 4 - Violation Profile - Mackerel
Fishery
VIOLATION TYPE |
1997 |
1998 |
1999 |
2000 |
2001 |
Area/Time |
|
|
|
|
2 |
Gear - Illegal/Used Illegally |
3 |
|
|
1 |
|
Registration/Licence |
|
1 |
|
|
3 |
Reporting |
|
4 |
|
|
|
9.2 Enforcement Issues and Strategies
MACKEREL TRAPNET FISHERY ENFORCEMENT
ISSUES:
- By-catch of unauthorized species such as tuna or salmon
- Exceeding herring by-catch limits
- Gear not in compliance with licence schedule
- Hails of arrivals and departures
- Logbooks not completed or total species not recorded
- Retention of undersize mackerel
- Gear conflict with other traps
STRATEGIES:
- Dockside checks
- Boardings from small program vessels
- Dockside Monitoring (Observers)
- Stakeouts
- Measurements from small program vessels
- Checks on the DFO's Catch and Effort Systems
MACKEREL GILLNET/HANDLINE FISHERY
ISSUES:
- By-catch of unauthorized species such as salmon
- Exceeding herring by-catch limits
- Gear not complying with licence schedule
- Hails of arrivals and departures
- Logbooks not completed or total species not recorded
- Retention of undersize mackerel
- Fishing under guise of a recreational fishery
- Sale of fish by recreational fishers
- Fishing during closed season
- Fishing unauthorized monofilament gillnets
STRATEGIES:
- Dockside checks
- Boardings from small program vessels
- Dockside Monitoring (Observers)
- Stakeouts
- Measurements from small program vessels
- Checks on the DFO's Catch and Effort Systems
MACKEREL PURSE SEINE FISHERY
ISSUES:
- By-catch of unauthorized species such as salmon and tuna
- Exceeding herring by-catch limits
- Hails of arrivals and departures
- Logbooks not completed or total species not recorded
- Retention of undersize mackerel
- Fishing in closed areas
- Fishing too close to fixed gear
- Fishing during closed season
- Exceeding quota
STRATEGIES:
- Dockside checks
- Boardings from small program and offshore patrol vessels
- Dockside Monitoring (Observers)
- Stakeouts
- Measurements from small program vessels
- Checks on the DFO's Catch and Effort Systems
- Air surveillance
10.1 Industry and/or other harvesters
In this fishery, the industry cost shares under Joint Project Agreements
(JPAs) between the Department of Fisheries and Oceans and the St. Margaret's Bay
trapnet fishermen to determine a more realistic minimum size, and between the
Department of Fisheries and Oceans and Seafreez Ltd. for the development and
characterization of microsatellite DNA markers specific to the Atlantic
Mackerel. The industry participants also pay for all costs associated with
contracts for dockside observers. These costs are in addition to the licence
fees that must be paid before a licence is issued.
10.2 Fisheries and Oceans
In addition to normal operating costs associated with the routine monitoring
of the landings, managing and surveillance of the fishery, consulting with the
industry in public fora and reporting on the fishery by various means, the
internal administration costs related to the dockside monitoring are borne by
the Department, as are the costs associated with the planning, direction,
analysis and reporting on the science program linked to the JPAs.
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A. Licensing
The Quebec Region mackerel fishery remains a limited entry fishery except for
the issuance of fixed gear licences, which may be issued to any full-time fisher
who holds a herring fixed gear licence for a vessel less than 15.2 m (50') in
length. Handline licences may be issued to any inshore full-time fisher who
holds another limited entry licence.
Quebec Region mackerel fishing vessels are restricted to the fishing areas
indicated on their licence.
B. Herring By-catch
The only species, which may be retained as a by-catch in the mackerel
fishery, is herring. For fishing areas where herring quotas are available,
herring by-catch will be deducted from the fleet quota. When the herring fleet
quotas have been reached, the maximum herring by-catch permitted is 10% by
weight of the mackerel catch. If required, the by-catch limit can be varied by
the DFO Regional Director General.
If discarding of herring is significant, consideration will be given to
imposing more restrictive measures such as:
- variation of by-catch to 0%,
- temporary closure of mackerel fishery in the affected area,
- complete closure of the mackerel fishery for the remainder of the
season,
- Increased levels of industry funded at-sea observer coverage.
C. Exploratory Purse Seine Fishery
Fishers who held mackerel exploratory purse seine licences in the previous
year are eligible to renew the exploratory licence for the current year.
D. Seasons
The mackerel fishing season opens for all gear types on June 1. Should
mackerel appear in an area prior to June 1, consideration will be given to
opening the season earlier for that area. In areas where there is an absence of
commercial quantities of mackerel or where there is a potential for a
significant by-catch of other species, the opening date for the fishery may be
delayed.
E. Recreational Fishery
A person may, without being registered or licensed and from a vessel that is
not registered, engage in recreational fishing for mackerel with a handline or
by angling.
F. Fishing Logbooks
All fishers must complete and submit a fishing logbook.
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A. Licensing
Fixed gear (gillnets, traps and bar seines)
- Mackerel fixed gear licences are available to fishers who held such a
licence in the previous year.
- New fixed gear licences are available to core designated fishers.
- Fixed gear licences are valid only for the Mackerel Fishing Area of
residency or the area historically fished.
- Hook and line may be permitted for fishers who can demonstrate having fished
this gear type in the previous year's fishery.
Mobile gear (purse seine)
- Mackerel purse seine licences are available to fishers who held such a
licence in the previous year.
- Mobile gear vessels in Mackerel Fishing Areas 1 to 11 are restricted to
fishing these areas.
- Mobile gear vessels greater than 65' in Mackerel Fishing Areas 13 and 14 are
permitted access to Mackerel Fishing Areas 12 to 16 inclusive.
- Mobile gear vessels less than 65' in Mackerel Fishing Areas 13 and 14 are
permitted access to Mackerel Fishing Areas 12 to 14 inclusive.
Exploratory purse seine licences
- Exploratory purse seine licences are available to fishers who held such a
licence in the previous year.
- Fishers who hold a pelagic purse seine licence for capelin and herring, and
who are core designated are eligible to apply for an exploratory mackerel purse
seine licence. The issuance of new exploratory purse seine licences will be
subject to Regional consideration of impact on other established fisheries. New
exploratory licences may be subject to a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) between
the licence holder, the buyer of the fish, and the Department of Fisheries and
Oceans (DFO). The purpose of the MOA is to ensure that the principle of
protecting traditional inshore markets for established mackerel fishers is
adhered to. This does not apply to Mackerel Fishing Areas 12 - 14 as the
exploratory fleet is established and will be capped at present levels.
Other Mobile Gear
- The use of mobile gear (other than purse seine) may be authorized on a trial
basis for existing purse seine licence holders who are core designated subject
to submission (to DFO) and approval of a Conservation Harvesting Plan (CHP) that
addresses all conservation related aspects of the fishery. Industry-funded, 100%
at-sea observer coverage will be mandatory during any fishery approved on a
trial basis.
B. Fishing Seasons
In Newfoundland, the scheduled opening date for mackerel in all areas and for
all gear types is August 1; however, consideration will be given to an earlier
opening date in any area where mackerel appear prior to August 1. As well, in
areas where there is an absence of commercial quantities or where there is a
potential for a significant by-catch of other species the season may be delayed.
Test fisheries may be authorized as a means of determining when the fishery
should open.
C. Herring By-catch
The only species that may be retained as a by-catch in the Mackerel fishery
is Herring. For fishing areas where purse seiners have an individual quota (IQ)
for herring, herring by-catch will be deducted from the appropriate IQ. Where a
herring IQ has been taken or the competitive herring fishery closed, the maximum
herring by-catch permitted is 10% by weight of the mackerel catch. By-catch
limits can be varied by the DFO Regional Director General.
If discarding of herring is significant, consideration will be given to
imposing more restrictive measures such as:
- varying the allowable by-catch to 0%
- temporary closure of the mackerel fishery in the affected area
- complete closure of the mackerel fishery for the remainder of the season
- increased levels of industry funded at-sea observer coverage.
D. Fishing Gear
To reduce the potential for by-catch of other species (especially salmon),
the use of trapnet leaders with a mesh size between 3⅝ and 7 inches will be
prohibited. As well, the use of monofilament netting material in trapnet leaders
will be prohibited.
When fishing in Mackerel Fishing Areas 12 to 14, fishers may have both
pelagic purse seine and fixed gear fishing gear onboard their vessel only when
there is an at-sea observer on board.
E. Fishing Logs
All fishers operating vessels greater than 35' in length must complete and
submit a fishing log.
F. Dockside Monitoring & at-Sea Observer Coverage
The purse seine fishery is subject to industry funded at-sea observer
coverage and 100% dockside monitoring.
G. Recreational Fishing
A person may, without a licence or vessel registration, participate in
recreational fishing for Mackerel using hand line or angling gear.
H. Bait Licences
Bait licences for mackerel form part of a generic bait licence that includes
herring and blackback (winter flounder) with the exception of those issued in
western Newfoundland Mackerel Fishing Areas.
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Fishing Seasons
The mackerel gillnet and bait fishery occurs from April to November
throughout the Region; Mackerel Fishing Areas 17 to 21.
The weirs and trapnets operate from April to November each year. The trapnets
are located in three areas - St. Margaret's Bay (West of Pennant Point to the
Bacarro Line); Chedabucto Bay and Aspy Bay (East of Pennant Point); and the Bay
of Fundy.
The less than 45 feet mobile mackerel licences operate twelve months of the
year in Mackerel Fishing Areas 17, 18 and 19 (Cape Breton).
There are also mackerel experimental mobile licences issued each year to
herring purse seiners. The total is approximately 28 each year.
Control and Monitoring of Fishing Activities
Mackerel gillnets
Mackerel gillnet licences are limited entry, vessel based, transferable, core
eligible and governed by licence conditions. The licences are limited to
designated set or drift gillnets as identified in their licence.
Licence holders are required to hail out to a dockside monitoring company
prior to their first fishing trip and hail-in the last day of each month the
total round weight of fish in pounds. They are also required to submit a log
record of their fishing activities each month, whether any fish was caught or
not.
Mackerel trapnets
Mackerel trapnets are a limited entry licence, transferable, non-vessel
based, and governed by licence conditions. Each trapnet licence must have a
corresponding site location. There can be more than one site allocated to the
trap licence.
Licence holders are required to hail out to a dockside monitoring company
prior to commencing fishing at the start of the season and hail-in each week the
total round weight of fish. They are also required to submit a log record of
their fishing activities each week.
Mackerel Handline Policy
Mackerel handline licences apply to Canadian Mackerel Fishing Areas 17-21
inclusive.
- Mackerel handline licences are vessel based and are core eligible.
- Mackerel handline licences are governed by owner/operator provisions.
- New mackerel handline licences may only be issued to existing mackerel
licence holders.
- Mackerel handline licences are not splitable from other types of mackerel
licences.
- Mackerel handline licensed vessels may be replaced in accordance to the
following:
- Full-time and part-time fishers without other licences, to a maximum of
24'11" LOA, or the same LOA as the vessel being replaced, whichever is greater;
and
- Full-time fishers with other licences, 44'11" LOA, or the vessel replacement
rules for the other licences, whichever is more restrictive.
Mackerel weirs
The mackerel weir licences are open-ended only to herring weir licence
holders, non-transferrable, non-vessel based and governed by licence conditions.
Licence holders are required to hail out to a dockside monitoring company
prior to commencing fishing at the start of the season and hail-in each week the
total round weight of fish. They are also required to submit a log record of
their fishing activities each week.
Mackerel Mobile Less than 45 feet
Mackerel mobile licences are limited entry licences, transferable, vessel
based (purse seine), core eligible and governed by licence conditions. They are
located in the Cape Breton area (Mackerel Fishing Areas 17, 18 and 19).
Licence holders are required to hail out to a dockside monitoring company
prior to each fishing trip and hail-in when returning to port. They are also
required to submit a log record of their fishing activities each fishing trip.
They are subject to at-sea observer coverage. Each landing is monitored by a
dockside observer.
Mackerel/herring bait (see Bait Licence Policy below)
The bait licences are open-ended. The licence holder is required to hold one
of the following licences to qualify for bait licences:
- Groundfish - longline, handline, baited traps (cod);
- Shark;
- Swordfish longline;
- Tuna;
- Crab;
- Lobster;
- Hagfish;
- Whelk;
- Eel pots.
The licences are vessel based, non-transferable and not limited to core
eligible.
Licence holders are required to hail out to a Dockside Monitoring Company
prior to commencing the first fishing trip of the season and submit a log record
of their fishing activities each month.
Mackerel Experimental Licences
Experimental licences are issued to herring purse seine licence holder each
year. Fishers are required to sign a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) with DFO
containing terms and conditions to ensure the protection of traditional inshore
markets. These are issued only when requested and when the MOA has been
signed.
The licence holder is required to carry an at-sea observer at various times,
hail out and in each trip, submit log records each trip and are observed by
dockside monitors each trip.
December 3, 2001
MARITIMES HERRING/MACKEREL BAIT LICENCE POLICY
The revised bait licence policy will address all herring/mackerel bait
licences issued in 2000 and later.
General
- Only fishers that hold a Maritimes specie licence that requires bait qualify
for a bait licence;
- A bait licence must be renewed each year;
- Licence conditions for bait licences will state that the licence holder can
only catch and retain herring and mackerel subject to the limits and
restrictions stated in the regulations, licence conditions, variation orders,
etc.;
- Bait licences will permit a maximum of 3 gill nets not to exceed 90 fathoms
in total length (includes head rope length);
- The species will be stated in the bait licence and will be listed in the
species code 202 - herring/mackerel - HEM;
- Any fish caught under any bait licence is for personal use and cannot be
sold, bartered or traded;
- Persons holding the following licences qualify for bait licences:
- Groundfish - longline, handline, baited traps (cod);
- Shark;
- Swordfish longline;
- Tuna;
- Crab;
- Lobster;
- Hagfish;
- Whelk;
- Eel pots.
Transferability
- Bait licences are not transferable;
- Bait licences are vessel based;
- Licence holders may retain their bait licence provided they still have a
valid licence that requires bait;
- When a licence that requires bait is transferred, the new licence holder may
apply for a bait licence. The existing bait licence (herring & mackerel)
will not be re-issued.
Back to Top
A. Licensing
The mackerel fishery remains a limited entry fishery except for the issuance
of fixed gear licences, which may be issued to any head of a core enterprise who
holds a herring fixed gear licence for a vessel less than 15.2 m (50') LOA and
handline licences, which may be issued to any head of a core enterprise.
Mackerel fishing with vessels less than 19.8 m (65 ft) will be restricted to
Mackerel Fishing Area 16 while vessels greater than 19.8 m (65 ft) will be
restricted to area 12, 13, 14, 15 and 16. The historical overlap privilege in
area 17 is maintained.
B. Herring By-catch
The only species, which may be retained as a by-catch in the mackerel
fishery, is herring. The by-catch by herring licence holders will be deducted
from the herring quotas during open season. In all other cases and where
individual herring quotas have been taken, the herring by-catch permitted is 10%
by weight of the mackerel catch. If required, the by-catch limit can be varied
by the DFO Regional Director General.
If discarding of herring is significant in the inshore or in the large seiner
mackerel fishery, consideration will be given to imposing more restrictive
measures such as:
- variation of by-catch to 0%,
- temporary closure of mackerel fishery in the affected area,
- complete closure of the mackerel fishery for the remainder of the season,
- increased levels of industry funded at-sea observer coverage.
C. Exploratory/Experimental Fishery
Fishers who held mackerel exploratory purse seine licences in the previous
year are eligible to renew the exploratory licence for the current year. Also,
mobile gear herring licence holders may be issued an exploratory mobile gear
mackerel licence. Furthermore, some experimental licences may be issued to
existing mackerel licence holders for the purpose of experimenting with new
fixed gear.
Experimental licences issued to herring purse seine licence holders are
required to sign a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) with DFO containing terms and
conditions to ensure the protection of traditional inshore markets. These are
issued only when requested and when the MOA has been signed.
The mackerel fishery conducted under an exploratory/experimental licence
other than with a purse seine requires DMP, some at-sea monitoring and a written
evaluation of the project at the end of the fishery. An exploratory purse seine
fishery requires DMP and other measures as needed to address the conservation
concerns.
D. Seasons
The mackerel fishing season opens for all gear types on June 1. Should
mackerel appear in an area prior to June 1, consideration will be given to
opening the season earlier for that area. In areas where there is an absence of
commercial quantities of mackerel or where there is a potential for a
significant by-catch of other species, the opening date for the fishery may be
delayed.
E. Recreational Fishery
A person may, without being registered or licensed and from a vessel that is
not registered, engage in recreational fishing for mackerel with a hand-line or
by angling.
Back to Top
GULF SMALL PELAGIC ADVISORY COMMITTEE
Fishermen's Associations
- Association des pêcheurs propriétaires des Î.-M.
- Association des senneurs du golfe
- Fédération du Hareng Golfe Nouvelle-Écosse
- Area 17 Inshore Fishers
- 4R Large Seiners
- Union des pêcheurs des Maritimes, baie des Chaleurs, N.B.
- Union des pêcheurs des Maritimes, Est, N.-B. 16C
- Union des pêcheurs des Maritimes, Est, N.-B. 16E
- PEI Fishermen's Association, Eastern PEI
- PEI Fishermen's Association, Western PEI
- Regroupement des pêcheurs professionnels - nord de la Gaspésie
- Regroupement des pêcheurs professionnels - sud de la Gaspésie
Provincial Governments
- Ministère de l'Agriculture, des Pêches et de l'Alimentation du Québec
- New Brunswick Department of Agriculture, Fisheries & Aquaculture
- Newfoundland and Labrador Department of Fisheries & Aquaculture
- Nova Scotia Department of Agriculture and Fisheries
- Prince Edward Island Department of Fisheries, Aquaculture & Environment
|
Processors Associations
- Association québécoise de l'industrie de la pêche
- NB Fish Packers Association
- Seafood Producers Association of PEI
- Seafood Producers Association of Nova Scotia
Aboriginal Groups
- Listuguj Mi'gmag First Nation Council
- MAWIW Council
- The Native Council of PEI
- The New Brunswick Aboriginal Peoples Council
- The Netukulimkewe'l Commission
- The Nova Scotia MicMac Fish and Wildlife Commission
- The Union of New Brunswick Indians
- Gespeg First Nation Council
- Gesgapegiag First Nation Council
Department of Fisheries & Oceans
- Director, Resource Management Division, Gulf Region
|
NEWFOUNDLAND SMALL PELAGICS ADVISORY COMMITTEE
Industry
- 2J, 3KL and 3Ps fishers
- Beothic Fish Processors Ltd.
- Fogo Island Co-op Society Ltd.
- Fish Food & Allied Workers
Provincial Government
- Department of Fisheries & Aquaculture
|
Federal Government
- Resource Management
- Science
- Conservation & Protection
- Policy & Economics
- Canadian Coast Guard
|
4R HERRING CO-MANAGEMENT COMMITTEE
Industry
- 4R Large Seiner Representatives
- 4R Small Seiner Representatives
- Fixed Gear Representatives
- 4T Based Seiner Representative
- L'Association des Seineurs du Golfe
- Fish Food & Allied Workers
- Harbour Seafoods Inc.
- Allen's Fisheries
- James Doyle & Sons Ltd.
- 3T's Limited
- New Brunswick Fish Packers Association
- The Barry Group
|
Provincial Government
- Nfld. Dept. of Fish Food & Aquaculture
- N.B. Dept. of Fish, Food & Aquaculture (Fredericton)
- N.B. Dept. of Fish, Food & Aquaculture (Caraquet))
- Federal Government
- DFO - Quebec Science
- DFO - Nfld. Resource Management
- DFO - Gulf Fisheries Management
- DFO - Nfld. Conservation & Protection
|
Back to Top
WITHIN DFO
Resource Management
- Coordinates the development of management options between DFO sectors and
with stakeholders
- Coordinates consultations with resource users and other stakeholders
- Coordinates the pre/post season processes
- Drafts the IFMP document
Science
- Provides stock forecast for upcoming season
- Indicates conservation concerns
- Advises on appropriateness of management options with respect to
conservation
- Specifies data requirements
- Advises on research projects required for proper stock assessments
Oceans
- Responsible for information Resource Management about initiatives under the
Oceans Act (e.g. MPAs, ICZM) which might have implications for the plan
Conservation and Protection
- Identifies any potential enforcement problems to be addressed in plan
- Suggests specific enforcement measures
- Ensures that enforcement measures identified in the plan can be realized
within existing resources
- Develops, carries out and evaluates enforcement plan
Finance
- Reviews IFMP, and in particular any JPAs, ensures that financial aspects of
plan are in order
International
- With approval of other sectors, leads in international negotiations
affecting fish stocks
- Provides input on international obligations/concerns
Policy
- Responsible for advising on regulatory and policy issues tied to the IFMP
Communications
- Assists in the posting of completed plans on internet
- Assists in the announcement of approved plans
Aboriginal Affairs
- Ensures that fiduciary obligations to First Nations are met
- Monitors impact of agreements on aboriginal fisheries
- Negotiates and approves agreements with aboriginal groups
Senior Management
- Approves management plans
OUTSIDE DFO
External Advisory Bodies (e.g. Small Pelagics Advisory Committees)
- Provide independent advice and recommendations as to conservation concerns
and Total Allowable Catches
Fishery Clients (through advisory committees)
- Provide input as to the conservation objectives, how they might best be
achieved, the enforceability of management measures and the socio-economic
aspects and effects of proposed management measures
- Develop management proposals
- Identify the activities that can be assumed under a co-management approach
- Participate in the management of the fishery under co-management
Provinces/other regulatory agencies
- Level of involvement will vary between fisheries
- Responsible for licensing fish processing activities
DEPARTMENT OF FISHERIES & OCEANS CONTACTS
Julia Barrow Resource Management
Branch - Atlantic 200 Kent Street Ottawa, ON K1A 0E6 Tel.: (613)
990-0091 Fax.: (613) 990-7051 |
Bruce Mayne Resource Management
Division Newfoundland Region P.O. Box 5667 St. John's, NF A1C
5X1 Tel.: (709) 772-4472 Fax.: (709) 772-3628 |
Alain Hébert Resource Management
Branch Gulf Region P.O. Box 5030 Moncton, NB E1C 9B6
Tel.: (506) 851-7792 Fax.: (506) 851-2607 |
Denis Tremblay Resource
Management Branch Quebec Region P.O. Box 15,500 Quebec, PQ G1K 7Y7
Tel.: (418) 648-5885 Fax.: (418) 649-8002 |
Ken Durdle A/Area
Chief Conservation & Protection Newfoundland Region P.O. Box
5667 St. Johns, NF A1C 5X1
Tel.: (709) 772-5857 Fax.: (709) 772-2659 |
Claire MacDonald Acting Senior
Advisor Small Pelagics Resource Management Branch Maritimes Region P.O.
Box 1035 Dartmouth, NS B2Y 4T3
Tel.: (902) 426-9854 Fax.: (902) 426-9683 |
John
Chouinard A/Director Conservation & Protection Quebec
Region P.O. Box 15,500 Quebec, PQ G1K 7Y7
Tel.: (418) 648-5586 Fax.: (418) 648-7981 |
Leonard Knight Area
Chief Resource Management Newfoundland Region P.O. Box 5667 St.
Johns, NF A1C 5X1
Tel.: (709) 772-5845 Fax.: (709) 772-2659 |
Edmond Martin Conservation and
Protection Branch Gulf Region P.O. Box 5030 Moncton, N.B. E1C 9B6
Tel: (506) 851-7795 Fax: (506) 851-2504 |
François
Gregoire Mackerel-Herring-Capelin Biologist Maurice Lamontagne
Institute P.O. Box 1000 850, Route de la Mer Mont-Joli, Québec G5H
3Z4
Tel. : (418) 775-0589 Fax. : (418) 775-0740 |
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News Release
April 3, 2002
FISHERIES AND OCEANS CANADA ANNOUNCES MACKEREL MANAGEMENT PLAN FOR
2002-2006
OTTAWA -- Fisheries and Oceans Canada (DFO) today announced a new multi-year
mackerel management plan for Atlantic Canada and Quebec, which will be in effect
from 2002-2006. The total allowable catch (TAC) for 2002 has been set at 75,000
tonnes. Catch levels for the following years will be established based on
scientific advice.
The following management measures, which have been developed following
discussion with industry and advice from DFO scientists, will remain in place
for the duration of the multi-year plan:
- maintenance of the sharing arrangement at 60% for the traditional inshore
fisheries and 40% for the exploratory mobile gear fishery;
- improved collection of fisheries landings data through logbook submissions;
and
- maintenance of the minimum fish size at 25 cm for the present time, with the
possibility of an increase in the future following further review by scientists
and fishers.
Canadian catches have averaged around 23,000 tonnes since 1985. However, a
decrease in reported catches has been observed since 1998. In 2001, preliminary
figures indicate landings in the order of 17,000 tonnes.
The Canadian mackerel fishery is carried out primarily by inshore fishers
using gillnets, handlines and trapnets throughout Atlantic Canada and Quebec. A
small purse seine fishery also occurs in Nova Scotia and Newfoundland. The value
of the 2001 fishery was approximately $8 million.
FOR MORE INFORMATION:
Bruce Mayne Fisheries and Oceans
Canada (709) 772-4472 St. John's, Newfoundland |
Denis Tremblay Fisheries and
Oceans Canada (418) 648-5885 Quebec, Quebec |
Rick W. Young Fisheries and Oceans Canada (902) 426-9854 Halifax,
NS |
Alain Hébert Fisheries and Oceans
Canada (506) 851-7792 Moncton, NB |
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