Princes has responded positively to the latest scientific advice from the International Council for the Exploration of the Sea (ICES), which points to signs of recovery in North-East Atlantic mackerel stocks.
Nevertheless, the company has warned that the fishery remains vulnerable. It is calling on seafood businesses and other stakeholders to avoid complacency and maintain a consistent focus on long-term stock protection.
What the latest ICES assessment shows
ICES has reported higher stock biomass and advised that catch levels could increase in 2027. The improvement offers evidence that effective management measures can support recovery when they are properly implemented.
However, Princes’ leadership has stressed that the stock remains only slightly above critical biological reference points. As a result, businesses must assess the wider evidence instead of relying on a single positive indicator when making procurement and sustainability decisions.
David McDiarmid, corporate relations director at Princes Group, said that responsible sourcing requires a long-term perspective informed by credible scientific data. This approach reflects wider food and beverage industry trends, including greater scrutiny of supply chain resilience, responsible procurement and environmental performance.
“Healthy, well-managed fisheries are in everyone’s interest, and whilst we are encouraged by the progress in the recovery of North-East Atlantic mackerel stocks, the latest advice demonstrates why sustainability decisions need to be based on long-term evidence rather than a single headline figure,” said McDiarmid.
Ongoing governance concerns
Although the latest figures indicate short-term progress, fundamental management issues continue to affect the North-East Atlantic mackerel fishery. These concerns remain central to seafood purchasing and supply chain planning:
Commercial landings have repeatedly surpassed scientific recommendations, while the fishery still lacks an internationally agreed management system and Total Allowable Catch (TAC).
These governance shortcomings previously resulted in the fishery losing its Marine Stewardship Council (MSC) certification. The situation also highlights the importance of transparent oversight, particularly as food manufacturing trends increasingly emphasise traceable and responsibly sourced ingredients.
Effective governance will remain essential alongside advances in food processing technology, changing food distribution trends and the wider development of food and drink industry innovation. Companies must also consider food and drink sustainability expectations, evolving food and drink regulations and customer demand for credible environmental assurances.
Princes’ sourcing strategy
As part of its commitment to responsible sourcing and marine ecosystem protection, Princes moved its branded mackerel products to MSC-certified Chilean jack mackerel in 2025. The decision reflects the company’s view that responsible businesses should look beyond immediate market conditions and build supply chains around recognised certification schemes and robust scientific evidence.
The strategy also supports broader developments in food and drink packaging, food and drink marketing and food and drink consumer trends, where provenance and sustainability increasingly influence purchasing decisions.
Princes will continue to assess its sourcing approach as new scientific information becomes available. If the North-East Atlantic mackerel fishery achieves MSC recertification, the company has confirmed that it would consider returning to the fishery as a source.
