Mackerel Downgraded by Marine Conservation Society

This is a result of overfishing and the suspension of the north east Atlantic stocks MSC certification, meaning it is no longer considered a sustainable fishery.

Large numbers of mackerel have also been migrating north west.

Gurnard, which is popular in restaurants and regularly cited as a sustainable alternative to other meaty fish, has also been taken off the list.

Herring and coley, however, has made it onto the Fish to Eat list, along with Dover sole from the English channel and whiting from the Celtic Sea.

But some fishermen and industry figures have criticised the move, saying stock assessments are inaccurate. Ian Kinsey, a fisherman and fisheries consultant, says a mackerel survey carried out by research institutes from the Faroes Isles, Iceland and Norway have estimated the mackerel stock to be over five million tonnes.

He added, “This estimate does not include mackerel in the EU zone. This is almost twice the estimate given by the International Council for the Exploration of the Sea (ICES) for all the mackerel components in all economic zones (2.7 million tonnes).

“Estimates from ICES are based on egg surveys carried out every three years and data from landed catches, whereas the methods used by Nordic scientists has yet to be approved, and is therefore ignored.”

Bertie Armstrong, of the Scottish Fishermen’s Federation, commented, “The [north east Atlantic] stock is actually still well above the precautionary level, even if Iceland and the Faroes continue to do this. You can ignore the MCS advice this year.”

Bernadette Clarke, fisheries officer for the MSC
“The mackerel stock has moved into Icelandic and Faroese waters, probably following their prey of small fish, crustaceans and squid. As a result both countries have begun to fish more mackerel than was previously agreed. The total catch is now far in excess of what has been scientifically recommended and previously agreed upon by all participating countries. Negotiations to introduce new catch allowances have so far failed to reach agreement.

“If people want to continue eating mackerel they should ensure they buy it from as sustainable source as possible. That means fish caught locally using traditional methods – including handlines, ringnets and drift nets – or suppliers who are signatories to the principles of the Mackerel Industry Northern Sustainability Alliance.

“Gurnard, specifically red and grey, are now classified by scientists as ‘data-limited stocks’ meaning there is little information available on stock levels and how much is being fished. Because gurnard have historically been taken as bycatch there are no restrictions or minimum landing sizes. If the species is to become commercially targeted sustainably, we need to understand the biology of the stocks and manage them appropriately.

“As world population, fish consumption and reliance on fish imports from outside of the European Union increases, the importance of knowing what we are eating, as well as where and how it is caught, is essential to allow consumers to make the most sustainable choice for the future of our fish.”