Waitrose Takes Bold Step to Suspend Mackerel Sourcing Amid Sustainability Concerns
Waitrose has announced it will become the first UK supermarket to suspend sourcing of mackerel, a crucial move aimed at combating overfishing and ensuring the sustainability of marine ecosystems.
Key Details of the Suspension
- All mackerel sourcing, including fresh, chilled, and frozen, will be halted by 29 April 2026, with tinned mackerel following as the existing stock is sold.
- Waitrose plans to introduce an array of alternative, responsibly-sourced fish options, maintaining nutritional benefits similar to mackerel, such as omega-3 fatty acids.
Industry Context and Rationale
The decision comes in response to a recommendation by the International Council for the Exploration of the Sea (ICES), which advised a drastic 70% reduction in North-east Atlantic mackerel catches to allow for stock recovery. Although four Coastal States agreed to cut catches by 48% in December, this still falls short of ICES recommendations.
Waitrose’s Commitment to Sustainability
Starting from May 2026, any North East Atlantic mackerel will no longer comply with Waitrose’s responsible sourcing requirements aligned with the Sustainable Seafood Coalition’s codes of conduct.
Expanding Sustainable Fish Options
To mitigate the impact of this sourcing suspension, Waitrose will launch a new selection of smoked fish products starting in April. These include:
- Waitrose Scottish Hot Smoked Herring, MSC certified
- Waitrose Scottish Hot Smoked Peppered Herring, MSC certified
- First supermarket innovation: Hot Smoked Sweetcure Seabass, ASC certified
- Waitrose Hot Smoked Trout with Dill & Lemon, RSPCA assured
- Waitrose Frozen Sardine Fillets, MSC certified
Health Benefits of Alternative Choices
Dr. Joanne Lunn, Head of Health & Nutrition at Waitrose, highlighted, “Our new smoked fish range delivers the same high quality and taste our customers expect, mirroring the nutritional benefits of mackerel. These alternatives offer natural sources of omega-3, essential for maintaining heart, brain, and vision health.”
Supporting Coastal Communities
Waitrose remains committed to its existing relationships with mackerel suppliers and the support of local coastal communities. The company plans to continue sourcing new fish varieties, including herring, seabass, sardines, and trout, through its established supplier partnerships. Currently, there is no set timetable for when Waitrose may resume mackerel sourcing.
Leading the Way in Sustainable Seafood
Waitrose is also taking significant steps in the tinned seafood market by becoming the first UK retailer to offer 100% MSC certified tinned sardines. Beginning in February, customers will see the new blue MSC eco-label on all sardine tins, signifying Waitrose’s ongoing commitment to sustainable and responsibly sourced seafood.
Marija Rompani, Director of Ethics & Sustainability at the John Lewis Partnership, remarked, “Responsible fishing is part of our broader Ethics and Sustainability commitments, which include goals for net zero emissions, biodiversity protection, and science-based targets for nature.”
Conclusion
This bold initiative was announced on 26 February during the Waitrose Food System Transformed Conference in Odney, Berkshire, which was attended by suppliers, NGO representatives, and certification agencies.
Image: Waitrose
*This announcement pertains to the North East Atlantic mackerel, Scomber scombrus species.
