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 22 cm after one year and 30 cm after 2 years. Can attain a maximum length of about 70cm and weight of 3kg.They may live for more than 20 years.
ADVICE
Much of the commercial mackerel fishery in the Northeast Atlantic have been certified as sustainable by the Marine Stewardship Council. To ensure that the mackerel you buy is as sustainable as possible look for fish caught using traditional methods including handlines, ringnets and drift nets and certified by the Marine Stewardship Council.
