Small pelagic fish

Small pelagics, like herring, mackerel, sardines and anchovies, play a vital role in our ocean’s ecosystems, serving as a key food source for other marine life. They also provide critical nutrition for millions of people globally, and their mix of protein and Omega-3 fatty acids makes them a valuable source for aquafeed and supplements.

Yet many of these species are under increasing pressure from the effects of warming seas driven by El Niño, rising demand and commercial overfishing.

Key facts and figures

Download small pelagic fisheries data

Overexploitation in the North East Atlantic

In recent years total combined catches of mackerel, Atlanto-Scandian herring and blue whiting have exceeded scientific recommendations by millions of tonnes.

North East Atlantic pelagic fisheries had their MSC certification suspended in 2019 and 2020.

Advice from the International Council for the Exploration of the Seas (ICES) in 2025 shows the sum of the unilateral quotas for mackerel has resulted in catches exceeding the scientific advice by, on average, 39% over the past 15 years, and the stock biomass is now below the critical threshold. Scientists have recommend a 77% cut in catches in 2026 and warn that failure to adhere to the advice may lead to a lower chance of stock recovery.  

The MSC is calling on all states that harvest North East Atlantic mackerel, blue whiting and Atlanto-Scandian herring to make good on their commitment to secure a long-term agreement and protect these stocks into the future.

Read the latest press release:

Mackerel supplies under threat as new scientific advice recommends 77% cut to catches in Northeast Atlantic