Waitrose has become the first major UK supermarket to suspend mackerel sales due to sustainability concerns, effective April 29, 2026. This decision reflects a growing awareness of overfishing and its impact on marine ecosystems.
The supermarket will discontinue fresh, chilled, and frozen mackerel immediately, with tinned varieties to follow once current stock is depleted. The suspension comes after governments failed to adhere to sustainable catch levels recommended by scientists. Mackerel stocks in the North-east Atlantic have plummeted by 75% over the past decade due to overfishing.
Conservationists have praised Waitrose’s decision. Jake Pickering from Waitrose stated, “By suspending sourcing of mackerel at Waitrose, we are reinforcing our ethical and sustainable business commitments…” This move could set a precedent for other retailers in the fishing industry.
Key facts:
- The suspension of mackerel sales marks a significant change in Waitrose’s seafood supply strategy.
- The Marine Conservation Charity and Blue Marine Foundation have welcomed this initiative.
- Waitrose plans to introduce MSC-certified frozen sardines as an eco-friendly alternative.
- The suspension aligns with Sustainable Seafood Coalition codes of conduct.
- No timeline has been shared for when Waitrose may resume sourcing mackerel.
Charles Clover, a prominent conservationist, emphasized the urgency of the situation: “This crisis has been ignored for too long. We hope that this action by Waitrose sends it to the top of the political agenda.” The fishing industry’s response remains uncertain as stakeholders assess the implications of this suspension on cod populations and other seafood sources.