Atlantic mackerel is found abundantly in cold and temperate shelf areas, but moves closer to shore in spring, when water temperatures range between 11 and 14°C. Atlantic mackerel typically grow to 35 to 45 cm, but can reach up to 60 cm in length.
Atlantic mackerel is caught from June to October in the North Atlantic Ocean, in FAO area 27. The area is part of the Norwegian Sea and Greenland’s economic zone.
Atlantic mackerel is caught with a mid-water pelagic trawl (OTM).
Catch of Atlantic mackerel in recent years has been:
2010 | 887,444 MT
2011 | 945,501 MT
2012 | 911,255 MT
2013 | 982,007 MT
2014 | 1,420,763 MT
2015 | 1,247,700 MT
2016 | 1,138,000 MT
2017 | 1,218,500 MT
2018 | 1,046,700 MT
2019 | 869,000 MT
2020 | 840,000 MT E
2021 | –
E=Expected
Source: FAO, PFF
Nutritional Values per 100g edible portion
| Water | 64 g | Total Lipid (fat) | 16.1 g |
| Calories | 220 kcal | Omega-3 | 1.8 g |
| Protein | 18.7 g |
Source: Frosta International
Headed and gutted (H&G)
| 2 x 10 kg | 2 x 15 kg |
Whole-round (WR)
| 2 x 10 kg | 2 x 15 kg |
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Evasive behaviour and camouflage is what Pacific chub mackerel relies onto stay hidden from its predators.
Pacific sardine reaches maximum length of 30 cm and weight of 140 gr.
Being pelagic commander squid can be found at depths of 1000 meters. Berryteuthis magister is among the most numerous squid species recorded.
Also known as coley or Atlantic pollock, saithe can be found around off-shore wrecks and reefs.
One of the most abundant fish in the North Atlantic, herring spawn between December and midsummer.