Northern Shelf Mackerel Fisheries Management Plan
This Fisheries Management Plan (FMP) relates to North East Atlantic (NEA) mackerel (Scomber scombrus) and is one of 43 FMPs set out in the Joint Fisheries Statement (JFS).This FMP sets out the policies and actions to manage the North East Atlantic mackerel stocks at sustainable levels.
Why an FMP for NEA mackerel?
Whilst the name of this FMP refers to ‘Northern Shelf’ mackerel, the most commonly used name for this mackerel stock is North East Atlantic (NEA) mackerel, and therefore that term will be used throughout this document.
NEA mackerel are a pelagic species caught mainly as part of a directed pelagic fishery within UK waters and also outwith UK waters. NEA mackerel is a commercially important species within UK waters. The total landed value by the UK fleet reached £394 million in 2024, including landings outwith UK waters. NEA mackerel in UK waters is caught primarily by the UK pelagic fishing fleet, in addition to some fishing by third countries, including EU, Norway and the Faroe Islands, although there is also a seasonal inshore handline fishery involving largely under 10m boats. The fishery also contributes substantially to the UK’s coastal economies, and the management of the fishery interacts with Economic Link requirements in Scotland designed to maximise the national benefit derived from UK fishing opportunities.
Contact
Email: fmps@gov.scot