Newly erected barriers surrounding the Canso Canal have suddenly restricted public entry to a beloved mackerel fishing location in Cape Breton due to concerns raised by federal authorities regarding the deteriorating state of the infrastructure.
The Canadian Coast Guard and the Department of National Defence have indefinitely shut down the north and south mooring berths of the canal following an engineering evaluation that classified the structures as being in “critical condition.” This action has disrupted a long-standing tradition cherished by local anglers for many generations.
For Waddie Long, a resident of Port Hawkesbury, the closure signifies the end of a cherished family custom. Long reminisces about his childhood spent walking along the railway tracks to fish at the canal, a tradition he later passed down to his two sons.
Longtime fishers, accustomed to gathering in groups of 30 to 40 at the causeway, argue that federal authorities are disregarding their awareness of the inherent risks associated with recreational fishing.
Robin Murphy, a seasoned angler who has frequented the canal for four decades, expressed dismay over the closure. She emphasized that the location offers one of the few accessible spots along the shore that is free of dense seaweed, which often causes gear entanglement.
Peter Britten, another resident of Port Hawkesbury who caught his first mackerel at the causeway at the age of 15, echoed the sentiment of frustration shared by many in the community.
Looking beyond the recreational aspect, Long underscored the historical significance of mackerel fishing as a vital food source for families in the Strait area.
According to Craig Macartney, a communications advisor for the Canadian Coast Guard and the Department of National Defence, an independent engineering evaluation determined that the canal’s south mooring berth has lost its primary load-bearing capability. There is currently no set timeline for the redevelopment or reopening of the area to public access.
The closure of the fishing spot has stirred emotions among locals, who hope that safety enhancements rather than complete exclusion will be considered by officials to preserve this longstanding tradition and ensure the safety of anglers.