According to the latest survey by the International Council for the Exploration of the Seas (ICES), North East Atlantic mackerel stocks are at their highest level for over a quarter of a century.

ICES reissued 2014 advice reveals that the North East Atlantic mackerel stock is at ‘Full Reproductive Capacity’, and catches by the UK fleet are classified by ICES as ‘Harvested Sustainably’.

This is the result of a stock survey that was carried out in 2013, and reiterates the reports of UK fishermen who have reported record sizes of mackerel shoals in recent years.

ICES is now confident in its advice that there is a spawning biomass of almost 4.5 million tonnes of mackerel in the North East Atlantic, compared with 1.9 million tonnes in 2002. The organisation has more than doubled its catch recommendation for 2014 compared to that given for 2013.

Ian McFadden, chairman of the Scottish Pelagic Processors Association (SPPA), said: “This is fantastic news and testament to the seven North East Atlantic fisheries, which came together to agree a management plan to safeguard the sustainability of the mackerel stock.

“And it’s good news for the UK economy after years of concern within the industry. Mackerel is the UK’s largest fishery. It is worth around £500 million and employs over 2,000 people. We hope this survey and this autumn’s new management plan will give consumers and industry bodies confidence in the sustainability of mackerel products.”

UK mackerel is now expected to be one of the first mackerel fisheries to undergo a full reassessment against the Marine Stewardship Council (MSC) standard.

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