Sustainably caught Mackerel
The Fishery
The fishery is located off the south west coast of England, from Start Point to Hartland Point within UK territorial waters. Most of the fishing occurs within 8 nautical miles of shore. The main ports are Newlyn, Looe with landings also taking place in Plymouth, St Ives, Mevagissey and other ports.
Fishing Method
The handline method uses either braided twine or strong nylon lines to which hooks are attached. Coloured plastic or feathers are attached to these hooks to attract fish and the line is weighted with lead. Each handline has 25-30 hooks.
Management
Only handline fishing is allowed in the fishing area, which was set up by the EU at a time of high fishing effort in the area in 1981 to protect juvenile mackerel, as the area is a well known nursery. The area of the box was extended to its present size in 1989.
Fishermen are not permitted to catch fish below the minimum landing size of 20 cm.
Within the UK, the overall quota is managed by the Department for the Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA). DEFRA officers record landings data into a central database on a weekly basis. This allows the fishery to be closed when the quota has been reached.
The fishery has an individual quota of 1,750 tonnes or 0.83% of the UK quota, whichever is the larger. Up to 150 vessels can be fishing in winter. Larger vessels land mainly in Newlyn, Falmouth, Looe and Mevagissey. Smaller vessels land their fish in the coves and harbours around Cornwall.
Fishing Season
The main fishing season runs between September and April. There is also a smaller commercial summer fishery located mainly around the Lands End Peninsula between Newlyn and St. Ives.
Our Mackerel Range
We offer whole, gutted fish as well as fillets.
Whole makerel (packed singly)
Mackerel fillets (packed in pairs)
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