Summary
Waitrose will stop selling mackerel because of concerns that overfishing is reducing the fish population in the north-east Atlantic. They plan to halt sales by April 29, 2026, and replace mackerel with other responsibly sourced fish products. Waitrose is acting on marine groups' recommendations to help keep fish stocks healthy and sustainable.
Key Facts
- Waitrose is suspending mackerel sales due to overfishing concerns.
- The supermarket will stop selling fresh, chilled, frozen, and tinned mackerel by April 29, 2026.
- Marine experts suggest cutting mackerel catches in the North East Atlantic to protect fish populations.
- In 2023, Waitrose claims that changes made by countries like the UK and Norway weren't enough to meet their standards.
- Waitrose sources its mackerel from Scottish waters.
- From May 2026, Waitrose's standards will not allow sales of North East Atlantic mackerel.
- The store will replace mackerel with Marine Stewardship Council (MSC) certified alternatives.
- Conservation groups like the Marine Conservation Society support Waitrose's decision to address overfishing issues.
