Northern Shelf Mackerel Fisheries Management Plan

Glossary

North East Atlantic mackerel (NEA mackerel) – A highly migratory pelagic fish stock distributed across the Northeast Atlantic and managed jointly by multiple coastal states.

Maximum Sustainable Yield (MSY) – The largest catch that can be taken over time without depleting the stock.

Total Allowable Catch (TAC) – Annual catch limit agreed between coastal states.

Stock - A population of a species that is managed as a unit.

Spawning Stock Biomass (SSB) – The total weight of all mature fish capable of reproducing.

Fishing mortality (FMSY) – The level of fishing pressure consistent with MSY.

Biological reference points (Blim, B_PA, MSY Btrigger) – Thresholds used to evaluate stock status and risk of collapse.

Long-Term Management Strategy (LTMS) – A structured, multi-year management framework (currently under development for mackerel).

Pelagic fishery – Fishery targeting species that live in open water and form large schools.

Remote Electronic Monitoring (REM) – Technology used on vessels to monitor catches, discards and compliance.

Bycatch – Unintended capture of non-target species, including marine mammals and seabirds.

Ecosystem-based fisheries management – Management approach considering ecosystem interactions and food webs.

Marine Protected Area (MPA) – A designated area for conserving marine biodiversity and ecosystems.

Economic Link – Policy mechanism requiring UK vessels to deliver economic benefits (e.g. landings) to the UK.Four-party agreement (2025) – Interim arrangement between UK, Norway, Iceland and Faroe Islands to reduce fishing pressure and progress quota sharing.