P.E.I. fisherman concerned with mackerel size this season

Some P.E.I.fisherman are keeping a close eye on an unusual trend of small mackerel so far this season.

"They are late coming and they are a small run,"said Mike MacDonald, a lobster, mackerel and herring fisherman in North Lake and a representative of a mackerel advisory board on P.E.I.

"They usually run 12, 14, 16 inches [30-35 cm]. This year, a lot are under that at about eight, nine, 10 or 11 [20-25 cm]."

Not good enough for bait

MacDonald suspects warmer water than usual is the issue.

MacDonald said mackerel are used as bait to catch lobster and fish such as halibut and tuna but in his opinion, the small mackerel aren't good enough for bait.

Given the small sizes since the season began in May, MacDonald said fisherman like himself are not bothering with mackerel.

If the trend continues into October, he said, then it is time to be concerned and start thinking about other sources of bait.

With theseason endingin December, MacDonaldsaidthere is still time for the smaller mackerel to grow, or for the larger mackerel that headed north to come back when the water is colder.

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