| dc.description.abstract | Many commercial fisheries of great socio-economic importance in Canada rely on bait, such as the lobster, crab and groundfish fisheries. In the Fisheries and Oceans Canada (DFO) Maritimes Region, traditional species of bait include pelagic fish such as Atlantic herring (Clupea harengus), Atlantic mackerel (Scomber scombrus) and gaspereau (Genus Alosa). In recent years, these stocks have declined due to overfishing and high natural mortality, necessitating closures of the Atlantic mackerel bait and commercial fisheries and quota cutbacks for Atlantic herring, resulting in a reduced supply and increased cost of bait in the Maritimes Region. This paper consists of research into the socio-economic and operational characteristics of the bait fishery in the Maritimes Region, industry perspectives on potential management measures, and insight into the perceptions of alternative bait sources. The bait fishery’s characteristics were studied through DFO licensing and catch data analysis. The analysis showed that annual bait licence landings are increasing, and recent increases in bait prices may further incentivize the use of bait licences. Additionally, usage depends upon economic factors, a harvester’s geographical location, and the characteristics of their commercial fisheries. Perspectives on bait and management measures were gathered through interviews with bait licence holders and fishing associations. Harvesters had concerns about the supply and availability of bait for the 2022 commercial fishing season and heightened concerns for future fishing seasons. Some harvesters cited that fishing their bait licence can reduce financial strains on their fishing operation through economic savings. Interviews supported implementing a minimum gillnet size and a delayed spring opening in the Maritimes Region’s bait fishery. This paper’s findings will inform DFO regarding how commercial harvesters utilize their bait licenses and provide key recommendations to improve the management of the bait fishery.
Keywords: Forage fish, Atlantic herring, Atlantic mackerel, bait fish, bait fishery, lobster. | en_US |
