Atlantic mackerel (Scomber scombrus)

Catching methods

Trawls, seine, line hooks

Catch areas

FAO 27 – Norway, Iceland, Faroe Islands, UK, Ireland, the Netherlands;
FAO 21 – USA, Canada

Brief description

Atlantic mackerel (Scomber scombrus) is referred to family Scombridae and is one of the most important commercially caught species in the world. Common size of Atlantic mackerel varies from 20 to 45 cm weighing 200-650 grams respectively. Atlantic mackerel is found in both western and eastern parts if Northern Atlantic. Annual catch for Atlantic mackerel has accounted for more than 1,2 million tons in 2019. Atlantic mackerel is used for smoking and is considered as a primary raw material for preserve and canning industries.

Product form

Whole round (WR, WHG), landfozen or seafrozen in blocks or IQF, fat content 18-27%, branded cartons

Headed, gutted (H&G) (landfozen or seafrozen), H&G (headed, gutted), fat content 18-27%, branded cartons

Fillets – single cut / flaps, skin on, frozen in 20 kg blocks, branded cartons

Size grading

Whole round (WR, WHG) – 200-400, 300-500, 400-600, 500+, 600+ grams
Headed, gutted (H&G) – 130+, 150-300, 225+, 200-400, 250+, 300+, 300-500, grams
Fillets – single cut – 60-90, 70-130 grams
Fillets – flaps – 60+, 80+, 100+, 150+, 200+ grams