Princes welcomes the latest scientific advice on North-East Atlantic mackerel, describing signs of stock recovery as positive news for the seafood sector while warning that long-term sustainability challenges remain.
The latest assessment from the International Council for the Exploration of the Sea (ICES) shows an improvement in stock biomass and a significant increase in its recommended catch levels for 2027. While the development is encouraging, and demonstrates that stock management works exactly as it should, the stock is only marginally above critical biological limits.
David McDiarmid, corporate relations director for Princes Group, said: “Healthy, well-managed fisheries are in everyone’s interest, and whilst we are encouraged by the progress in the recovery of North-East Atlantic mackerel stocks, the latest advice demonstrates why sustainability decisions need to be based on long-term evidence rather than a single headline figure.
“While the stock biomass has improved, it remains in a relatively fragile position and the wider management challenges facing the fishery have not disappeared.”
Princes’ decision to move its branded mackerel range to MSC-certified Chilean jack mackerel in 2025 was driven by its long-standing commitment to responsible sourcing and the long-term health of fish stocks and marine ecosystems.
The latest ICES advice does not alter several longstanding challenges facing the North-East Atlantic mackerel fishery, including catches that have consistently exceeded scientific advice and the absence of an internationally agreed management framework, or Total Allowable Catch. These factors contributed to the fishery losing its Marine Stewardship Council (MSC) certification and remain important considerations for seafood buyers.
Princes believes responsible sourcing requires businesses to look beyond short-term fluctuations in stock assessments and make decisions based on the best available scientific evidence, recognised certification standards and the long-term sustainability of marine resources.
The company will continue to review its sourcing decisions in line with evolving science and sustainability standards, while remaining committed to providing consumers with wild caught seafood from independently certified sustainable sources. Princes has previously stated that should the North-East Atlantic mackerel fishery regain MSC certification it would look to once again source the stock.
