New fence blocks historic mackerel fishing spot at Canso Canal bridge

Following an independent engineering assessment that labeled the Canso Canal’s mooring berths as being in critical condition, the Canadian Coast Guard and the Department of National Defence sealed off both sides of the bridge with fencing. The move eliminates public entry to a favored mackerel fishing location that has been part of local tradition for decades. Long-time anglers, including Waddie Long, Robin Murphy and Peter Britten, lament the loss of a spot that offers easy shore access and has historically supplied food for families in the Strait area.

They argue that safety could be improved with reinforced piers, better signage and lighting instead of a complete closure. Craig Macartney, a communications adviser for the two agencies, said any reconstruction would be subject to funding and priority decisions, leaving the reopening date unknown. The closure highlights tensions between federal safety mandates and community fishing practices in Cape Breton.