Mackerel reclassification

THE MARINE Conservation Society (MCS) has upgraded its rating of Scottish and European caught mackerel to ‘yellow’, meaning people can eat it occasionally without endangering the species.

In contrast, Faroese and Icelandic caught mackerel has been classified as red, which means people should avoid eating it.

In January, the MCS removed mackerel from the list of fish they said were safe to eat after coastal states again failed to reach agreement on how much mackerel could sustainably be fished in the northeast Atlantic.

Thursday’s change was welcomed by fishermen and politicians.

Ian Gatt, chief executive of the Scottish Pelagic Fishermen’s Association said: “We are pleased that the Marine Conservation Society has made this important differentiation between Scottish caught mackerel compared with that from Iceland and the Faroes.

“This new assessment will enable consumers to make informed choices when purchasing mackerel.”

Scottish fishing minister Richard Lochhead added: “Scotland’s fishermen have stuck to the principles of an international agreement and fixed limits in tandem with Norway – Iceland and Faroe have refused to negotiate and set unilateral quotas. 

“So it is good news for our fishermen that MCS have taken this on board so our fishermen are not punished further because of the actions of others – the bottom line is that sustainably caught Scottish mackerel is good to eat.”