Waitrose has become the first UK supermarket to suspend all sales of mackerel, citing a serious overfishing crisis that it says has left the species at a tipping point.
The decision, which takes effect from 29 April 2026, affects fresh, chilled and frozen mackerel across all Waitrose stores. Remaining tinned stock will be available until it sells through, but the supermarket will not be replacing supplies after that point.
The move follows a stark warning in September 2025 from the International Council for the Exploration of the Sea, which recommended that North-east Atlantic mackerel catches be cut by 70 percent to help the stock recover to a sustainable level. In December, four of the key Coastal States agreed to reduce catches by 48 percent, which fell short of what scientists said was needed.
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Waitrose has framed its decision as a direct response to the gap between what the science requires and what the industry has been willing to agree to. “We want to protect the long-term health of our oceans,” the supermarket said in a statement, acknowledging that mackerel has been one of the most popular fish on its counters for years.
To fill the gap, Waitrose is launching a new range of smoked fish including Hot Smoked Herring and Hot Smoked Peppered Herring. It is also set to become the first UK retailer to sell 100 percent MSC-certified tinned sardines, with seven new products across the range.
The decision puts significant pressure on other major retailers to follow suit. Mackerel is one of Britain’s most-eaten fish, prized for its nutritional value and relatively low price, and its removal from the shelves of one of the country’s largest supermarket chains is a statement that will be difficult for competitors to ignore.
Written by
Elle Diaz
Elle Diaz is a freelance journalist and fitness model based in the UK. With a background in health, wellness, and popular culture, she covers the stories people are actually talking about — from viral trends and celebrity news to science, lifestyle, and human interest. Elle brings a sharp, relatable voice to every piece she writes.
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