Atlantic Mackerel Survey Completed

Over the coming weeks, data collected across the Norwegian Sea will be validated, combined with observations from the other participating countries and incorporated into the international stock assessment process for Northeast Atlantic mackerel.

For the seafood industry, this marks the transition from research at sea to scientific assessment, management advice and, ultimately, quota negotiations.

Editorial visualisation by Global Fish Marine Intelligence. Source data: Norwegian Institute of Marine Research (HI).

Figure 1. Editorial visualisation of the preliminary distribution of survey catches and average fish size based on published observations from the Norwegian Institute of Marine Research (HI). The illustration highlights geographical patterns but should not be interpreted as a stock assessment.

Improved survey coverage

According to the Norwegian Institute of Marine Research, this year's Norwegian survey benefited from three additional survey days funded by Norges Sildesalgslag.

The additional survey time improved coverage in important mackerel distribution areas, strengthening the scientific dataset and helping to reduce uncertainty across key parts of the survey area.

The Institute of Marine Research also reports that the largest catches during the survey were recorded in the central and eastern Norwegian Sea, while larger individual mackerel were generally observed further north.

These are preliminary field observations and should not be interpreted as conclusions regarding overall stock size or future fishing opportunities. The full assessment will only be available after observations from all participating countries have been reviewed and incorporated into the international scientific process.

The Next Phase Begins

Although the fieldwork has now been completed, several important stages remain before management decisions can be made.

During the international post-cruise workshop in Copenhagen from 17 to 21 August, scientists from the participating countries will review, validate and harmonise the survey results.

The results will then be incorporated into the assessment models used by the International Council for the Exploration of the Sea, contributing to the scientific advice for Northeast Atlantic mackerel scheduled for publication on 30 September.

That advice provides the scientific foundation for the subsequent Coastal State negotiations, where future management of the stock and national fishing opportunities are discussed before quotas and regulations are finalised for the 2027 fishing season.

Why it matters

For seafood buyers, processors and exporters, the ecosystem survey represents far more than a research cruise.

Reliable stock assessments help build confidence in future supply expectations and remain one of the foundations of sustainable fisheries management.

Although markets often react long before quotas are agreed, those expectations ultimately depend on robust scientific data, international collaboration and transparent stock assessments.

The completion of the survey therefore marks the end of the fieldwork phase, while the scientific assessment and management process is only beginning.

Looking ahead

With the survey work at sea now completed, attention shifts to the international scientific collaboration that will shape this year?s stock assessment.

Over the coming months, the industry will move through several key milestones ? from the post-cruise workshop and publication of the ICES advice to the Coastal State negotiations and eventual quota decisions for 2027.

Global Fish will continue following each stage of the process, providing regular updates as scientific knowledge is translated into fisheries management and, ultimately, future market conditions.

In parallel this autumn season will progress and current indications suggests that the Norwegian fleet might be on fishing field come mid August.