Mackerel stocks on the brink: overfishing has led to catastrophic consequences
Kyiv • UNN
The mackerel population in the North-East Atlantic is declining rapidly due to overfishing quotas. Experts are calling for alternative seafood options.
Mackerel has been caught for many years, and according to the latest data, its population in the Northeast Atlantic is declining. Catch quotas recommended by scientists have been exceeded by many percent, so in the near future this species of fish may reach the "red level" of protection classification.
UNN reports with reference to Good Fish, The Guardian and ICES.
Details
Mackerel stocks are declining significantly and approaching a "tipping point." It is officially recorded that mackerel stocks are no longer within safe biological limits. Overfishing has led to this condition. Quotas recommended by ICES scientists have been exceeded by an average of 41 percent since 2010. In 2019, the mackerel fishery lost its MSC certification. Experts now recommend that buyers look for other options.
Experts do not hide their concern
We are seeing a steady decline in the number (of mackerel - ed.) It is approaching the limit. Immediate action is needed. .. Agree on catch limits with scientific recommendations
Mackerel on the verge of the red level
Each year, MCS releases a Good Fish Guide that classifies choices based on how overfished the fish are.
The guide uses a traffic light system for consumers and a scale of 1 to 5 for businesses. The system marks each rating with a color depending on where and how the species was caught or grown: green (ratings 1 or 2) for "best choice" options; yellow (ratings 3 or 4) for required improvements; and red (rating 5) for "fish to avoid". It is recommended that businesses, including restaurants and supermarkets, only stock seafood rated 1 to 3.
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Now, mackerel in the Northeast Atlantic, caught by mid-water trawls, has been moved from 3 to 4, meaning restaurants and businesses are advised not to sell it. This method of fishing is most often used by supermarket and restaurant suppliers.
Reference
Mackerel is caught by several coastal states, including EU member states, the United Kingdom, Iceland and Russia. Every year, these countries meet to determine fishing opportunities for the coming year. No joint fishing agreement has been concluded since 2010, and each coastal state sets its own quota.
Situation in the North Sea
Mackerel caught by Norway, Iceland, the Faroe Islands and Great Britain continues to be overfished. Total Allowable Catches (TACs) set by all parties have consistently exceeded scientifically recommended levels by 5%-80% since 2009. Between 2020 and 2024, TACs averaged 39% higher than scientific advice.
What are the alternatives
According to the charity, herring from the North Sea and the Eastern Channel is a more environmentally friendly alternative to mackerel. Monkfish caught in the North Sea has been upgraded from amber to green, and blue marlin has moved from the red list, The Guardian writes. According to the publication, the most popular seafood consumed in Great Britain is cod, haddock, salmon, tuna and shrimp. Hake is less popular in this country, but this type of fish usually belongs to richer stocks.
Let us remind you
In Ukraine, from April 1, a spring-summer spawning ban on fishing has started on most water bodies. Fishing is allowed from the shore outside spawning grounds with a limited number of hooks.
From February 15 to March 31, 2025, in Ukraine a ban on pike fishing was in effect in the reservoirs of Kyiv and other regions.
