Overfishing Of Mackerel Has Led To A Surge in The Price Of Horse Mackerel

   Horse mackerel is a marine fish of significant economic value. Morphologically, it has a long, slender, cylindrical body, typically 20-35 cm in length and weighing 100-300 grams. It has high nutritional and health value.

   In recent years, demand has grown rapidly in European, Asian, and African markets. Sustainable horse mackerel fishing has received MSC (Marine Stewardship Council) certification, indicating that its fishing and supply chain meet sustainable standards, making it a viable alternative to mackerel in the global seafood market.

   Recently, Marks & Spencer, Sainsbury's, and Morrisons have been evaluating their supply chains and attempting to diversify their offerings to reduce reliance on a single fish species. Concerns about mackerel population numbers have been ongoing since last year (2025). Environmental organizations and NGOs have welcomed this development.

   As mackerel catches decline year by year, prices rise, and the debate over sustainable fishing intensifies, horse mackerel has emerged as a viable alternative. In 2025, horse mackerel exports totaled nearly $500 million, representing a year-on-year increase of approximately 15%. In Europe, canneries and processors are actively developing high-value-added products such as smoked and reprocessed horse mackerel. While canned fish remains the dominant product, product diversification is accelerating. Meanwhile, brine-packed and tomato-sauce-packed horse mackerel have begun entering the US market, confirming this expansion in global demand. Horse mackerel is gradually becoming a strong competitor to mackerel, and its relatively affordable price has solidified its competitive position. This supply-demand tension has directly translated into higher prices: the average price has surged from approximately $1,000 per metric ton last year to approximately $1,400 per ton, an increase of over 30%. In January 2026, frozen horse mackerel prices reached a record high.