Waitrose Takes a Stand: Suspending Mackerel Sales Amid Overfishing Concerns

The Decline of Mackerel Stocks

Waitrose's announcement to suspend the sale of mackerel products comes amid alarming reports of overfishing. The supermarket chain has decided to cease sourcing fresh, chilled, and frozen mackerel by April 29, 2026, which includes tinned varieties once their current stock is depleted.

"By suspending sourcing of mackerel at Waitrose, we are reinforcing our ethical and sustainable business commitments," said Jake Pickering, head of agriculture, aquaculture, and fisheries at Waitrose.

Why This Matters

Marine conservation groups have long warned about the precarious status of North East Atlantic mackerel. In recent years, this vital fish has been overfished, partly due to the lack of international quota agreements which have left breeding rates insufficient to replenish stocks.

The Statistics Behind the Crisis

• In 2024 alone, UK vessels landed more than 230,000 tonnes of mackerel, making it one of the most caught fish in British waters.
• The International Council for the Exploration of the Sea (ICES) has strongly recommended a significant reduction in mackerel catch quotas to avoid a population collapse.

Waitrose's Ethical Stance

Notably, Waitrose prides itself on ethical sourcing and sustainability. As the first UK supermarket to take such decisive action, it aims to set a precedent in the grocery industry. Their commitment underscores a growing awareness of the environmental impacts of corporate decisions.

"We hope that this action by Waitrose sends it to the top of the political agenda," said Charles Clover, co-founder of Blue Marine Foundation.

Reactions from the Industry

The fishing industry has reacted with dismay, particularly in Scotland, which bears the brunt of the mackerel fishing business. Ian Gatt of the Scottish Pelagic Fishermen's Association criticized Waitrose for timing their announcement when quota-sharing negotiations were reportedly making progress.

A Call to Action

This decision has been received positively by many conservationists. Organizations like the Marine Conservation Society have commended Waitrose's move as "leading and decisive," urging other retailers to follow suit.

The Ripple Effect

As our oceans face increasing threats from overfishing, all stakeholders—retailers, fishermen, and consumers—must engage in responsible practices. The suspension of mackerel sales is not just a corporate decision; it serves as a call to action for greater accountability throughout the supply chain.

Moving Forward

Waitrose plans to replace mackerel products with responsibly sourced alternatives, furthering its commitment to sustainable practices. All new products will be Marine Stewardship Council (MSC) certified, which will help to reassure concerned consumers.

Conclusion

The ongoing struggles around mackerel stocks remind us that markets need to adapt in response to ecological realities. The impact of our choices reaches far beyond the grocery aisle—it affects entire ecosystems, livelihoods, and the future of our planet's oceans.