Industry welcomes mackerel stock increase

The Scottish and UK mackerel industry has welcomed a sharp increase in the size of the north-east Atlantic stock, following new scientific advice from the International Council for the Exploration of the Sea (ICES).

ICES has advised that the total allowable catch (TAC) for north-east Atlantic mackerel in 2027 should be 352,938 tonnes, representing a 102% increase on its advice for 2026. The assessment puts current spawning stock biomass at 3.2 million tonnes and forecasts this will rise to 3.34 million tonnes in 2028.

“We welcome this news, although there is still a way to go to ensure the mackerel stock builds back to the biomass level associated with achieving Maximum Sustainable Yield,” said Ian Gatt, chair of the Scottish Pelagic Sustainability Group, which represents mackerel catchers and processors.

Gatt said reaching a comprehensive quota-sharing agreement among all coastal states remained essential. He highlighted progress made last year when the UK, Faroe Islands, Iceland and Norway agreed an enhanced sharing arrangement and measures aimed at improving long-term stock management.

“We believe the current improving stock situation vindicates the decision-making process by coastal states participating in the fishery when they set the 2026 TAC,” he added, noting that socio-economic considerations had also been taken into account.

The industry also pointed to several initiatives intended to strengthen future management. These include the North-east Atlantic Pelagic Group, established following the King Charles’ Oceans Sustainability Initiative, and Scottish Government work on long-term Fisheries Management Plans for pelagic species.

Gatt also highlighted the introduction of mandatory remote electronic monitoring for pelagic vessels operating in UK waters from 2027.

“We hope the UK and European food retail sector acknowledges the progress that has been made so far in bringing mackerel onto the road of recovery,” he said.