A group of northern European mackerel fishing organisations has expressed disappointment that Marine Stewardship Council (MSC) certification of the North East Atlantic fishery will be suspended due to concerns over stock levels.
The ban comes into effect on 2 March 2019 but the Mackerel Industry Northern Sustainability Alliance (MINSA) hopes it can be overturned once a more detailed evaluation of levels of spawning stock biomass is completed.
The 2018 scientific NE Atlantic mackerel stock assessment, released last October, estimated a reduction in spawning stock levels, placing it below a reference point indicating that action should be taken to reduce fishing pressure.
Is the data accurate?
However, the International Council for the Exploration of the Sea (ICES), the scientific body that evaluates stock status, is concerned about the accuracy of the assessment, arguing that there could be issues with data inputs and the way the assessment model works.
As a result, ICES has brought the science community together to investigate. This review will conclude on 4 March and could lead to the stock assessment advice being revised.
Ian Gatt, co-ordinator of MINSA, said: “MINSA is frustrated that the certifying body auditors have taken this decision, given that new information will be available in March.”
He hopes that the suspension will be lifted once the ICES process concludes and adds: “As a responsible industry we are committed to the long term sustainability of mackerel stock and ensuring we have in place effective management measures to achieve this.”
