Plummeting Atlantic mackerel stocks driven by severe overfishing have prompted retailers, including the Irish arm of Lidl, to transition their tinned fish shelves to jack mackerel sourced from Chile. According to Lidl, the supermarket is stocking traditional Atlantic mackerel alongside the southern Pacific alternative as supply pressures mount across the industry.
Jack Mackerel vs. Atlantic Mackerel: What’s the Difference?
Jack mackerel, known scientifically as Trachurus symmetricus and commonly called horse mackerel, originates from the southern Pacific, while the traditional Irish mackerel, Scomber scombrus, comes from the north-east Atlantic. According to nutritional data, Atlantic mackerel is celebrated as an affordable superfood packed with protein and omega-3 fatty acids due to its high fat content. Conversely, jack mackerel features a much lower fat content, less omega-3, and a chewier texture. John Shine of Donegal-based supplier Shines Seafood described eating jack mackerel by comparison as being a bit like eating toast without butter.
Price and labeling also show distinct variations on supermarket shelves. Lidl is charging €1.25 for jack mackerel in olive oil while pricing Atlantic mackerel in sunflower oil at 95c. Furthermore, Lidl labels its tinned jack mackerel as high in protein at 17g per 100g, whereas its Atlantic mackerel contains 20.9g of protein per 100g.
Did You Know?
Unlike Atlantic mackerel, jack mackerel sold at Lidl is certified as sustainable by the Marine Stewardship Council (MSC). The MSC removed its certification from Atlantic mackerel in 2019 due to overfishing.
The Mackerel Sustainability Crisis and Quota Row
Irish fishing sits at the sharp end of a wider sustainability crisis. The sector faced severe warnings that it would be devastated after the EU slashed the mackerel quota by 70% in December, following scientific advice. However, non-EU countries such as the UK and Norway set catch limits well above scientific recommendations, leading the EU to row back and adopt a more generous quota matching its neighbors. According to the World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF), when Greenland and Russia’s catches are factored in, the estimated total mackerel catch for 2026 sits 143% above scientific advice.
“With such an unsustainable catch level, coastal states are actively increasing the risk of biological collapse,” the WWF stated. John Shine argued that Irish fishermen are unfairly carrying the blame and financial penalty for overfishing conducted by non-EU nations in international waters, adding that businesses involved in catching or processing the fish are struggling immensely. He suggested a boycott of Norwegian salmon until equitable quotas are negotiated. Meanwhile, Chilean jack mackerel catches have also slumped due to a strong El Niño climate phenomenon, according to industry observations.
What Retailers and Suppliers Say About Market Shifts
Lidl Ireland maintains a strict commitment to sourcing fish from responsibly managed fisheries. The retailer stated that all its mackerel meets internal sourcing requirements because it was caught during a fishery improvement program. While Lidl is actively stocking both species side-by-side in Ireland, visits to other main Irish supermarket chains in Dublin revealed no jack mackerel on offer, though Aldi stocks the alternative in the UK.
Looking ahead, the WWF warned that the scientific council advising EU quotas could recommend a zero catch for mackerel for 2027. Environmental groups emphasize that governments must act immediately to protect fishers, wholesalers, canneries, and landing ports from severe socio-economic fallout. Without proactive preparation, pressure to reject scientific advice will likely trigger another vicious cycle of unsustainable catch limits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is jack mackerel the same species as Atlantic mackerel?
No. According to retailers and fisheries experts, jack mackerel (Trachurus symmetricus) is a different species from the north-east Atlantic mackerel (Scomber scombrus).
Why are supermarkets switching to jack mackerel?
Retailers are stocking jack mackerel as an alternative because plummeting Atlantic mackerel stocks, driven by severe overfishing, have squeezed traditional supplies.
Is jack mackerel certified as sustainable?
Yes. The tinned jack mackerel stocked by Lidl features certification from the Marine Stewardship Council (MSC). The MSC stripped its sustainability certification from Atlantic mackerel in 2019.
Does jack mackerel taste the same as Atlantic mackerel?
Not entirely. According to taste tests and industry suppliers, jack mackerel has a lower fat content, is chewier in texture, and lacks the richness of Atlantic mackerel.
Call to Action: Have you spotted jack mackerel on your local supermarket shelves yet? Let us know your thoughts on the taste and texture in the comments below, and subscribe to our newsletter for more updates on seafood sustainability.
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