British supermarket chain Waitrose says it will stop selling mackerel in protest at over-fishing
Fred TANNEAUBritish supermarket chain Waitrose on Thursday said it was suspending the sale of mackerel to take "a decisive stand against overfishing".
Waitrose said its initiative was aimed at safeguarding "the long-term health and sustainability of our oceans", criticising government quotas as still too high.
Sourcing of fresh, chilled and frozen mackerel "would be suspended by April 29, with tinned mackerel following once current stock was sold", the chain said in a statement, adding that it was the first UK supermarket to take such a step.
Waitrose said British government fishing quotas were higher than recommended by the International Council for the Exploration of the Sea (ICES).
According to the international scientific body, the Northeast Atlantic mackerel population has fallen into a danger zone where its reproduction is no longer guaranteed.
From nearly 13 million tons in 2014, the biomass of spawning-age mackerel has plummeted to less than 3 million tons in 2025.
In December, EU countries agreed a 70 percent reduction in mackerel catches for the first six months of the year, compared to 2025 — slightly less than recommended by scientists.
The UK, Norway, the Faroe Islands and Iceland in the same month concluded a separate agreement.
The accord was criticised by the EU which said it could cause "irreversible" damage to the dwindling North Atlantic mackerel population.
ode/har/tw
Originally published on doc.afp.com, part of the BLOX Digital Content Exchange.
Information from the News and our advertisers (Want to add your business to this to this feed?)
Success! An email has been sent to with a link to confirm list signup.
Error! There was an error processing your request.
Sign up to receive notifications when a new Columbia Gorge News e-Edition is published.
Would you like to receive our news updates? Signup today!
Receive weekly updates on obituaries and death notices.
Oregon Capital Press presented by Columbia Gorge News
Receive updates on upcoming promotions and special sections.
Receive weekly updates on local sports news.
Sorry, there are no recent results for popular videos.
Sorry, an error occurred.
Already Subscribed!
Cancel anytime
Thank you .
Your account has been registered, and you are now logged in.
Check your email for details.
Submitting this form below will send a message to your email with a link to change your password.
An email message containing instructions on how to reset your password has been sent to the email address listed on your account.
No promotional rates found.
Secure & Encrypted
Thank you.
Your gift purchase was successful! Your purchase was successful, and you are now logged in.
| Rate: | |
| Begins: | |
| Transaction ID: |
A receipt was sent to your email.
Commented