ICES Suggests Reducing The Catch Of Mackerel in The Northeast Atlantic
Oct 10, 2025
Leave a message
On October 6, 2025, the International Council for the Exploration of the Sea (ICES) released new advice proposing a major reduction in the fishing quota for Northeast Atlantic mackerel in 2026. The recommended total allowable catch would decrease by nearly 70%, from about 577,000 tons to around 174,000 tons.
According to ICES, the suggestion reflects declining recruitment rates - meaning fewer young mackerel entering the population - and continued fishing pressure above sustainable levels. Updated assessment models and new biological data have also contributed to a more cautious outlook on the stock's condition.
The recommendation has drawn wide attention from the global seafood industry. Observers note that such a sharp reduction could influence market supply, pricing trends, and international trade flows. While the proposed measure may lead to short-term pressure on availability, it is also seen as an important step toward ensuring the long-term sustainability of mackerel resources in the North Atlantic.
