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Mackerel (Scomber scombrus)

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Common name - Mackerel
Scientific name - Scomber scombrus
Rating
  • 1
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  • 5
Caught at sea Pelagic trawl, Purse seine, Line
Capture Area North West Atlantic  FAO 21
Stock Area USA
Stock Detail All Areas
Summary
The stock is healthy with SSB well above levels for MSY, and there is a low fishing mortality upon the stock that is well below FMSY. Bycatch and discards are low with PET species interactions minimal, and not significantly detrimental to the affected populations, Ecosystem effects unlikely due to the high stock level and low fishing pressure.
Biology
Mackerel is a fast swimming species belonging to a group of fish known as the scombrid family, which are related to the tuna. They spawn mainly in March to July. By 3 years old most mackerel are mature. Females shed their eggs in about twenty separate batches over the course of the spawning season. Juvenile mackerel grow quickly and can reach 22cm after one year and 30cm after 2 years. Can attain a maximum length of about 70cm and weight of 3kg.They may live for more than 20 years.
Stock Information
Mackerel migrates up and down the east US coast between North Carolina and Newfoundland. As a result the fishery is highly seasonal. The highest landings occur in spring time, when fish are caught as they school to spawn. The stock is in good health with the spawning stock biomass well above MSY, and as the fishing mortality is low. The stock is likely to remain in good condition.
Capture Information
The bulk of the fish landed is taken by pelagic trawls. Smaller landings of mackerel are taken by purse seine fishing in the summer and early autumn. Discards and bycatch are low, with some marine mammal interactions. However, these incidences are not thought to be detrimental to populations.
Alternatives
(Based on method of production, fish type, and consumer rating: only fish rated 3 and below are included.)
Read what the consumer pages of the Good Fish Guide say about this species.