In a groundbreaking move, Waitrose has removed mackerel from all its UK stores due to escalating concerns about overfishing. This decision, effective April 29, 2026, makes Waitrose the first major UK supermarket to suspend mackerel sales.
The suspension includes fresh, chilled, and frozen mackerel, with tinned varieties set to follow once existing stock runs out. Conservationists have welcomed this step, urging other retailers to adopt similar practices. Jake Pickering from Waitrose emphasized the company’s commitment: “By suspending sourcing of mackerel at Waitrose, we are reinforcing our ethical and sustainable business commitments…”
Mackerel stocks in the North-east Atlantic have plummeted by 75% over the past decade—largely attributed to overfishing. The Marine Conservation Charity and Blue Marine Foundation have pointed out that recent governmental measures failed to curtail mackerel catches to sustainable levels recommended by scientists.
Key statistics:
- Overfishing has led to a 75% decline in mackerel stocks over ten years.
- A 48% cut in mackerel catches was decided by four coastal states.
- Waitrose plans to introduce MSC-certified frozen sardines as an eco-friendly alternative.
Marija Rompani, another spokesperson for Waitrose, stated, “We believe sustainable food production must balance climate action…” This aligns with the Sustainable Seafood Coalition’s codes of conduct—a move aiming to protect marine ecosystems and ensure responsible fish sourcing.
Despite this significant change, there’s no set timeline for when Waitrose might resume sourcing mackerel. The fishing industry is watching closely; Charles Clover remarked that this crisis has been ignored for too long and hopes Waitrose’s actions will elevate it on the political agenda.
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