With ICES advice on North East Atlantic pelagic stocks imminent, the North Atlantic Pelagic Advocacy Group (NAPA) states that even the stark warning in 2025, when a 77% cut in mackerel catches was advised, was enough to shock Coastal States into taking political action on sustainable catch-sharing agreements.
‘The deadlock remains, with no clear pathway to recovery or re-certification for these stocks,’ a NAPA representative commented.
‘The imminent announcement from ICES on the state of North East Atlantic pelagic stocks (notably mackerel, blue whiting and Atlanto-Scandian herring) due on 30th September, will undoubtedly mark another crucial moment for Coastal States to step back and reflect on the way ahead. But whether or not they will remains in serious doubt.’
NAPA states that the ongoing removal of North East Atlantic mackerel products from many supermarket shelves all over Europe is a clear indicator that the market is being forced to act in the face of political indecision.
‘Many NAPA members have reluctantly walked away from sourcing from these fisheries, rethinking whole business models in the process. These are not decisions taken lightly. They reflect the difficult reality that, despite a strong desire from NAPA members to keep sourcing mackerel, herring and blue whiting from the North-east Atlantic, and continued consumer demand for these products, current management inaction has left many businesses with little choice.’
NAPA comprises more than 50 global seafood businesses, including some of the top retailers that have taken mackerel products off the shelves.
‘Our members have consistently tried, across six years, to secure a resolution to this problem. But the FIPs will end in October and, with political deadlock still obstructing science-backed catch-sharing agreements, NAPA anticipates that the latest advice will not change that situation any time soon,’ NAPA’s representative commented.
‘The continued absence of a resolution for these fisheries is indefensible. The long-term future of supply-chain businesses, coastal communities and livelihoods rely on these fisheries, and we have a collective responsibility to safeguard food security, consumer choice and economic potential. ’
