The decision announced by UK retail chain Waitrose to stop sourcing North-East Atlantic mackerel follows other major retailers and comes with a warning that the core problems for mackerel, herring and blue whiting fisheries remains unresolved.
The North Atlantic Pelagic Advocacy Group (NAPA) has consistently advocated for credible, science‑aligned management of North East Atlantic mackerel, blue whiting and Atlanto-Scandian herring. It has worked through its innovative Fishery Improvement Projects (FIPs) to coordinate research, advocacy, and political and market engagement.
‘NAPA, on behalf of its partners, including Waitrose, has been clear from the outset: without credible efforts to improve these fisheries through the FIPs – which will end in 2026 – it remains challenging for retailers, and the businesses that supply to them, to continue sourcing. This decision from Waitrose follows actions taken by other NAPA partners, including Princes, Thai Union, Albert Heijn, Jumbo and Lidl Netherlands. Previous criticisms that the market would not take action have been roundly dispelled,’ NAPA stated following the announcement of the Waitrose decision.
‘It is disappointing to face a situation where some of the most information-rich fisheries, accessed by some of the most mature governance regimes globally, are losing their foothold in UK and EU supply chains because of poor management. These failures are causing not only environmental impacts, but increasingly severe social and economic consequences.’
A further round of Coastal State negotiations for mackerel will take place in Reykjavik this month, and NAPA has reiterated its call for all parties to commit to a comprehensive sharing arrangement that has space for all. Anything less will prolong instability, increase the economic burden for business, and further undermine confidence in the long‑term future of these fisheries.
‘The market is clear: healthy fisheries are essential for sustainable businesses,’ said NAPA executive chair Aoife Martin, commenting that with FIPs ending, the mackerel stock below safe levels, and stringent cuts in fishing pressure needed to facilitate its recovery, the continued absence of a resolution is indefensible.
‘If the supply chain cannot rely on a long-term future for North East Atlantic fisheries, they will look elsewhere, and indeed this is what we’re now seeing. These are the direct consequences of the lack of action by Coastal States.’
