Extension of mackerel moratorium has P.E.I. fishers frustrated

The Prince Edward Island Fishermen's Association says it's upset overthe extension of the mackerel moratorium in Atlantic Canada, particularly because the fishery is still allowed in the U.S.

Federal Fisheries Minister Joyce Murray announcedthe continued closure of Atlanticmackerel commercial and bait fishing in Atlantic Canada and Quebec for the rest of the 2023 year to "allow the stock to rebuild."

In a news release Friday, the fishermen's association said it was "disappointed and frustrated" by the decision.

"Prince Edward Island fishers want to see a sustainable mackerel stock, but do not feel this will be achieved by shutting down the Canadian fishery while the U.S. continues to fish," the release said.

The U.S. is going ahead with fishing East Coast mackerel in 2023, but it's cut theTotal Allowable Catch (TAC) from more than 17,300tonsin 2020to roughly3,600tons in 2023.

Canada's moratorium has been in place since March 2022.

At that time, Murray had saidurgent action needed to be taken to give thestocks a chance to recover, and to ensure the long-term sustainability and prosperity of East Coast fisheries.

The P.E.I. fishermen's association has previously called for an end to it because it said it's had a negative impact on business.