Tinned mackerel brands substitute species amid overfishing pressures

The short version

• Overfishing of north-east Atlantic mackerel has led major brands and supermarket labels to substitute traditional mackerel with jack mackerel fillets.[The Guardian]
• Jack mackerel costs roughly a third of the price and contains about half the omega-3 content of Atlantic mackerel.[The Guardian]
• Consumer advocate Which? characterized the switch as skimpflation because shelf prices have largely remained comparable.[The Guardian]
• Princes indicated it would reconsider sourcing Atlantic mackerel if sustainable fishery management practices are restored.[The Guardian]

Key facts

• Overfishing pressures have prompted brands like Princes and supermarket labels to substitute traditional mackerel with jack mackerel.[The Guardian]
• Chilean jack mackerel costs about a third of the price of Atlantic true mackerel.[The Guardian]
• Jack mackerel provides approximately half the omega-3 levels found in Atlantic mackerel.[The Guardian]
• UK labeling regulations were modified last year by the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs to allow sales under the name jack mackerel.[The Guardian]
• The Marine Conservation Society warned that north-east Atlantic mackerel stocks are at breaking point from overfishing.[The Guardian]

Sources

Outlet counts describe coverage, not independent confirmation. Reports may share a wire service or original source.

• Extra fishy: your tinned mackerel may not be what you think it isThe Guardian - World