Review finds ‘much greater’ mackerel stock

FISHERMEN have welcomed a review of the north east Atlantic mackerel stock, which was found to be ‘much greater’ than previously assessed. The International Council for the Exploration of the Sea (ICES) revealed in a report last week that the methods used to assess the stock in 2018 were flawed. Due to ‘issues with the…

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Mackerel advice under review

A GROUPING of northern European mackerel fishing organisations has expressed disappointment that Marine Stewardship Council (MSC) certification of the North East Atlantic mackerel fishery will be suspended at the beginning of March. But they are hopeful that certification will soon be reinstated once a more detailed scientific evaluation of the stock is completed. The 2018…

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Fishermen to provide stocks data

WORK on a pioneering self-sampling scheme where Scotland’s mackerel and herring fishermen participate in gathering scientific data on fish stocks is gradually gathering pace. In a programme co-ordinated by Dr Steven Mackinson, chief scientific officer for the Scottish Pelagic Fishermen’s Association, a feasibility study is currently underway into launching the programme. Once completed, this will…

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