Mackerel

Rating:

Green for MSC-certified mackerel, King and Spanish mackerel). Red for Chilean Jack mackerel.

The issue:

Mackerel spawn prolifically and mature quickly, making them rather resistant to overfishing. But as with other fish, issues vary from fishery to fishery. Chilean jack mackerel is now considered to be fully exploited, and current measures to protect them are probably inadequate. At times, some mackerel stocks, such as Spanish and King Mackerel, usually a good choice, have been found to contain high levels of mercury.

Action:

If in the UK, MSC-certified mackerel, fished by handlines off the south-west coast of England, is available in supermarkets. And look out for MSC-certified Australian Mackerel Icefish, caught off the coasts of Heard Island and McDonald Islands. Choose wild-caught King mackerel if you're in the US, at times when there aren't mercury alerts for these fish.

Quote:

"If mackerel stocks are allowed to be overfished, the ecological, social and economic impacts would be serious, especially for dependent local communities and for species such as tuna and swordfish that feed upon mackerel." Alistair Graham, WWF High Seas Policy advisor.

Read more:

Sustainable seafood: Consumer guides

Where to buy MSC fish

Discover alternative sustainable seafood recipes