Re: Atlantic Mackerel Management and TAC for 2024 Season We are writing to strongly recommend a continued closure of the commercial Atlantic Mackerel fishery until there is new science clearly showing that the stock has rebuilt out of the critical zo

We are writing to strongly recommend a continued closure of the commercial Atlantic Mackerel fishery until there is new science clearly showing that the stock has rebuilt out of the critical zone. [...] We recognize that the decision to close the fishery over the last two years was a challenging one, and the impacts have been felt in our rural communities across the region. [...] mailto:min@dfo-mpo.gc.ca According to the projections, a TAC of 0t is the only scenario with a high likelihood of short-term population growth (85-92% probability) that is in line with the Precautionary Principle and Section 70(5) of the Fishery (General) Regulations and therefore is consistent with rebuilding. [...] Opening the fishery, even with a small TAC of 1000t would risk the rebuilding of this stock, and the long-term economic viability of the fishery. [...] We are appreciative of the efforts the department has made to work with the United States to align our management approaches and improve conditions for rebuilding this stock.