Waitrose has become the first UK supermarket to suspend the sale of mackerel due to overfishing, directing customers towards herring and other species instead. The move follows warnings from the Marine Conservation Society (MCS) that Atlantic mackerel stocks are at breaking point.
The MCS downgraded mackerel from a three to a four on its five-point Good Fish Guide sustainability scale last year. Kerry Lyne of the MCS praised Waitrose's decision, stating that support across the supply chain is needed to keep mackerel on menus within sustainable limits.
A University of East Anglia study in January urged supermarkets to encourage customers to diversify their fish consumption to include more environmentally friendly options like herring and sardines. The International Council for the Exploration of the Sea (ICES) recommended a 70% cut in north-east Atlantic mackerel fishing to replenish stocks.
Hugo Tagholm, executive director of Oceana UK, warned of the risk of population collapse, while WWF noted that catches have exceeded recommended levels by an average of 39% since 2010. In December, UK nations agreed to a 48% reduction in mackerel fishing, below the ICES recommendation.
Waitrose will stop sourcing fresh, chilled and frozen mackerel by 29 April, with tinned mackerel following once current stock sells. The supermarket will promote herring, sardines and sea bass as sustainable alternatives.
Marija Rompani, director of ethics and sustainability at the John Lewis Partnership, which owns Waitrose, emphasised the importance of responsible fish sourcing. A Defra spokesperson said the UK is working with other countries to reduce pressure on mackerel stocks while protecting fishing jobs.
