The Scottish pelagic fleet encountered strong marks of mackerel during the January fishery, despite activity being limited by a sharply reduced quota for 2026. Fishermen reported good-sized fish and clear signs of new recruitment on the grounds west and south-west of Foula.
According to Richard Williamson, co-skipper of the Shetland vessel Research, the abundance of fish did not appear to match the scientific stock advice that underpinned the quota cut. He said several trips found plenty of mackerel, including both large fish and smaller year classes that vessels tried to avoid.
Good marks on the fishing grounds
Williamson said Research completed three trips during the fishery and repeatedly found good concentrations of fish. He also described how mackerel shoals could suddenly appear after hours without warning, underscoring how easily fish can be missed during surveys.
Whitefish vessels operating in the same areas also detected significant quantities of mackerel on their fish-finding equipment.
Fleet activity across Scotland
Only a small number of Shetland vessels participated, including Altaire, Charisma, and Serene. At the same time, much of the local fleet chose to hold quota for later in the year. In contrast, most of the Peterhead and Fraserburgh fleet fished in January to catch part of their 2026 allocation.
The Fraserburgh-based Resolute completed two trips, landing once in Shetland and once in Norway. Co-skipper Ally West said the fish generally weighed between 370 and 480 grams and were well-suited to market demand.
Next pelagic fisheries ahead
Later in February, Resolute is due to fish for a small quota of Atlantic-Scandian herring off the Lofoten Islands. Other Scottish vessels are preparing for the blue whiting fishery west of Ireland, followed by the North Sea herring season in mid-summer and the autumn mackerel fishery.