The mackerel processing industry in Scotland employs around 2,500 people, mainly in Peterhead, Fraserburgh, and Lerwick

Mackerel Quota Cut Would Have Devastating Impact on Processing Sector

UNITED KINGDOM
Wednesday, October 01, 2025, 14:00 (GMT + 9)

Scottish Pelagic Processors’ Association Warns that ICES Proposal to Cut Total Allowable Catch by 70% Would Jeopardize 2,500 Jobs

SCOTLAND — The advice published today by the International Council for the Exploration of the Sea (ICES), recommending a 70% cut in the north-east Atlantic mackerel Total Allowable Catch (TAC) for next year, would have a devastating impact on the Scottish mackerel processing sector if implemented, according to the Scottish Pelagic Processors’ Association (SPPA).

The mackerel processing industry in Scotland employs around 2,500 people, mainly in Peterhead, Fraserburgh, and Lerwick, and these jobs would be put in jeopardy if such a draconian cut were implemented, said Robert Duthie, chairman of the SPPA.

"As well as the direct employment, there are many other support jobs dependent upon mackerel, including in logistics, packaging, engineering, and port services. Such a huge cut in quota would potentially have a devastating impact.

"Furthermore, there is a healthy domestic market for canned and smoked mackerel, and it is also a major export product, including to premium markets in Asia, which would also be put at risk."

He added: "The advice from ICES is using a revised methodology on how much young fish enter the spawning stock biomass, which is an arbitrary figure, and we are certain doesn't reflect the true situation of the mackerel stock and adopts a 'worst-case' scenario."

"There are, of course, ongoing issues with mackerel management that need resolved, most notably the failure of coastal states to reach a comprehensive international agreement, which is something both UK catchers and processors have long been calling for. But despite this, the catch advice by ICES is unnecessarily harsh and is based on doubtful science. We urge for a common-sense approach when it comes to deciding upon the final quota allocations for 2026."

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