In the updated version of its Good Fish Guide, the NGO Marine Conservation Society strongly advises against consuming one particular fish. This species, currently struggling, is facing dangerously low stocks due to overfishing.
A Species to Avoid
In the market, sellers are required to display the origin of fish and inform consumers about the fishing or farming methods used. However, most people don’t pay close attention to these details and are unaware of which products might be best avoided. Some guides exist, like the British NGO Marine Conservation Society’s Good Fish Guide. In an article published on April 9, 2025, by The Guardian, the updated version of the famous guide was discussed. The NGO uses a traffic light system for consumers and a scale from 1 to 5 for businesses.
According to the guide, mackerel is a species to avoid right now due to overfishing. Stocks in the North-East Atlantic are dangerously close to a tipping point. However, it’s important to note that fishing methods are rated differently. For example, mackerel caught in this zone using pelagic trawling (rated 4) is discouraged, while mackerel caught by hook and line (rated 3) is a better choice, though still not the best option.
Intense Pressure on the Resource
Around a decade ago, mackerel was still considered a more sustainable choice. However, it has been overfished by an average of 23% over the past four years. Unfortunately, this is not particularly surprising, as many countries exert significant pressure on this resource, including Norway, Iceland, the Faroe Islands, and the United Kingdom. If the situation continues to worsen, mackerel stocks will no longer be able to sustain themselves.
The governments of the affected countries are now attempting to align their catch limits with scientific recommendations. In the meantime, the NGO advises consumers to opt for less concerning alternatives, such as Cornwall sardines, Bay of Biscay anchovies, and North Sea (or Eastern Channel) herring.
In France, a report published by Ifremer in 2019 provided insight into the state of the country’s fish resources. According to the document, 48% of the fish caught in France’s waters come from sustainably managed stocks, but 27% are from overfished stocks, meaning they are endangering species. Finally, the remaining 22% are from stocks whose status remains undetermined.
Source: sciencepost
