Waitrose stops selling mackerel as it takes bold stance

Waitrose has become the first supermarket in the UK to cease selling mackerel amid overfishing concerns. Bosses confirmed the chain will suggest customers explore alternative, more sustainably sourced options instead.

Last year, the Marine Conservation Society stated that mackerel, a pelagic fish, was ‘under immense pressure from fishing activities across multiple nations’.

The activists warned that soon stocks would not be able to sustain themselves if overfishing continued, while Blue Marine Foundation co-founder Charles Clover added that in 2025, more than half of UK catches were ‘set above sustainable levels’, as per the BBC.

These worries were backed up by a recommendation by the International Council for the Exploration of the Sea (ICES), stating that mackerel fishing in the north-east Atlantic should be cut by around 70 percent to help replenish numbers to a sustainable level following overexploitation.

Waitrose is culling its sale of mackerel amid overfishing worries (Getty Stock Image)

Now, in an effort to cut the amount of fish being caught, Waitrose will stop selling all fresh, frozen, tinned, and chilled products by 29 April.

Instead, the supermarket chain will promote the sale of ‘responsibly sourced’ herring, sardines, and sea bass.

Jake Pickering, head of agriculture, aquaculture and fisheries at Waitrose, said that the decision to pull mackerel from shelves would help make a serious stand against overfishing while supporting the long-term health and sustainability of fish stocks.

“Our customers trust us to source responsibly, and we are closely monitoring the fishery. We look forward to bringing mackerel back to our shelves once it meets our high sourcing standards,” he added.

It’s understood that all of these products being ushered into Waitrose would be certified by the Marine Stewardship Council (MSC) and that they would have similar health benefits, including being a good source of omega-3.

Marija Rompani, the director of ethics and sustainability at the John Lewis Partnership, which owns Waitrose, said: “Sustainable food production must balance climate action; nature protection and responsible fish sourcing is fundamental to protecting our oceans.”

A spokesperson for the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs added: “We are working with other countries to reduce pressure on North-East Atlantic mackerel stocks while also protecting jobs in our fishing communities.

Instead of selling mackerel, the supermarket will bring out a new range of fish with similar health benefits (Getty Stock Image)

“Safeguarding the future of this crucial stock is a priority, which is why the UK is actively tackling overfishing to protect the long-term sustainability of our waters.”

In March, Waitrose will launch a new range of smoked fish. The selection includes hot-smoked peppered and regular herring, hot smokes sweetcure seabass, and hot smoked trout with dill and lemon.

Two months later, the group will introduce frozen sardines as a certified sustainable replacement for frozen mackerel. The business says this product will offer a ‘similar rich flavour and nutritional benefits’.