2026 Atlantic Mackerel Bait Fishery - Third Opening Fisheries and Oceans Canada will re-open the competitive, personal-use Atlantic mackerel bait fishery on October 3, 2026 in all mackerel fishing areas. This opening will provide access to the remaining 466.67 tonnes allocated to the mackerel bait fishery for the 2026 season, representing the third and final portion of this fishery announcement by the Department on July 3, 2026. For additional information, please refer to the DFO News Release.
Participating harvesters will be restricted to a daily limit of 454 kg (1,000 lbs) to be fished by either gillnet or handline. Monitoring will be achieved using various measures, including a 100% hail-in requirement in all regions. Additional information related to conditions of license, will be available through the National Online Licensing System.
Todd Williams Chair Atlantic Mackerel Advisory Committee