Wild Mackerel and Bycatch Concerns

Atlantic and Pacific mackerel support major commercial fisheries, but bycatch and fishing methods raise significant welfare concerns for these highly mobile pelagic fish.

Key Facts

Mackerel are fast-swimming pelagic fish that form massive schools and are caught primarily by purse seine nets
Atlantic mackerel can travel thousands of miles annually following prey and temperature gradients
Purse seine fishing for mackerel has relatively low bycatch rates compared to bottom trawling
Mackerel caught at depth experience barotrauma as pressure changes cause internal injuries during hauling
Pump harvesting systems can improve welfare by reducing crowding and duration of capture stress
Mackerel stocks fluctuate significantly with climate and are vulnerable to overfishing

Welfare Considerations

Mackerel welfare concerns center on the method and speed of death after capture. Fish crowded in purse seine nets often suffocate slowly over many minutes as oxygen depletes. Innovations like vacuum pumps and rapid slaughter methods (including percussive stunning) can significantly reduce suffering. Bycatch species caught incidentally in mackerel fisheries — including juvenile tuna, dolphins, and seabirds — also face welfare harms. Sustainability certifications increasingly consider animal welfare alongside environmental metrics, and consumer pressure is driving improvements.

What You Can Do

Choose mackerel certified by fisheries that meet welfare and sustainability standards
Support organizations researching humane slaughter methods for pelagic fish
Advocate for fisheries regulations to include welfare metrics alongside environmental ones
Reduce overall fish consumption to decrease demand pressure on wild fish populations