A leading UK supermarket has announced a bold and unprecedented move that will see a favourite seafood product disappear from its shelves once current supplies are gone.

Waitrose has confirmed it will stop selling mackerel across all stores after ongoing concerns about overfishing and the long-term sustainability of the species.

The decision makes the retailer the first major supermarket in the UK to take such action, sending a powerful signal to the seafood industry, environmental groups and shoppers alike.

Why Waitrose is removing mackerel from shelves

The move comes after years of warnings from marine scientists that North-East Atlantic mackerel stocks are being pushed beyond safe biological limits.

Fishing quotas have repeatedly been set higher than the levels recommended by scientists, allowing too many fish to be caught each year.
This has led to a steady decline in the population and raised fears about the future of one of the UK’s most popular oily fish.

Waitrose said it could no longer justify selling the product under its responsible sourcing policy.

The supermarket explained that the decision supports its wider commitment to:

Protect ocean ecosystems
Support sustainable fishing practices
Offer responsibly sourced seafood

Fresh, frozen and smoked mackerel will be removed first, while tinned products will remain available only until existing stock is sold.

When the product will disappear

Shoppers will still be able to buy mackerel for a limited time — but only while supplies last.

Once the current sourcing contracts end and stock runs out, the product will completely disappear from stores and online.

This means customers could soon see empty shelf space where mackerel products were once displayed.

A major moment for UK supermarkets

This is the first time a major British supermarket has voluntarily stopped selling a widely consumed fish purely for sustainability reasons.

Environmental organisations have praised the decision, calling it:

A “turning point” for responsible retail
A “wake-up call” for the fishing industry
A “clear message” to governments setting catch limits

Campaigners say retailers play a key role in shaping supply chains and influencing how seafood is sourced.

What has happened to mackerel stocks?

Mackerel has long been considered a healthy, affordable and widely available fish in the UK.

However, the situation has changed dramatically over the past decade.

According to marine experts:

The total catch has exceeded scientific advice for years
International agreements failed to control overfishing
The stock is now under serious pressure

Without action, scientists warn the species could face long-term decline.

Sustainable alternatives for shoppers

Waitrose says customers will still have plenty of options.

To replace mackerel, the supermarket is expanding its range of more sustainable oily fish, including:

Smoked herring

A rich, flavourful alternative that works well in breakfasts, salads and pâtés.

Sardines (MSC certified)

A budget-friendly choice packed with omega-3 and perfect for quick meals.

Trout

Mild, versatile and suitable for grilling, baking or adding to pasta dishes.

Sea bass from responsible farms

Offering a similar texture and high protein content.

These alternatives provide the same key health benefits as mackerel, including:

Omega-3 fatty acids
High-quality protein
Vitamin D
Heart-health support

Will mackerel ever return?

Waitrose has not ruled out bringing the fish back in the future.

The supermarket says it will resume selling mackerel only when it can be sourced in line with scientific sustainability recommendations.

This means:

Catch limits must follow expert advice
International agreements must improve
Fish populations must show clear recovery

Until then, the product will remain off the shelves

Pressure on the fishing industry and governments

The decision has also increased pressure on policymakers.

Conservation groups argue that:

Retailers alone cannot fix the issue.

They say governments must:

Set lower fishing quotas
Follow scientific guidance
Improve international cooperation

Without these changes, other species could face the same fate.

A shift in how supermarkets operate

This move reflects a wider transformation in the grocery sector.

Today’s shoppers are increasingly choosing products based on:

Sustainability
Ethical sourcing
Environmental impact

Supermarkets are responding by:

Removing unsustainable items
Improving labelling
Expanding eco-friendly ranges

Waitrose’s decision could encourage other retailers to follow.

Why mackerel matters to UK households

For many families, mackerel has been a weekly staple because it is:

Affordable
Nutritious
Quick to cook
Widely available

It is commonly used in:

Salads
Sandwiches
Pasta dishes
Breakfast plates

Its disappearance will be noticeable — especially for shoppers looking for healthy, low-cost protein options.

Health benefits of oily fish

Nutritionists still recommend eating at least one portion of oily fish per week.

Oily fish is linked to:

Better heart health
Improved brain function
Reduced inflammation
Stronger immune system

That’s why supermarkets are focusing on providing sustainable alternatives rather than removing the category completely.

Consumer reaction

Early customer reactions have been mixed.

Some shoppers support the move, saying:

Protecting fish stocks is more important than convenience.

Others are disappointed to lose one of their favourite and most affordable seafood options.

However, many agree the decision highlights the growing importance of sustainability in everyday food choices.

What this means for the future of seafood

This could be the start of a major shift in UK supermarkets.

Experts believe more retailers may:

Review their seafood sourcing policies
Remove at-risk species
Invest in sustainable supply chains

If that happens, the way people shop for fish in Britain could change dramatically over the next few years.

Conclusion

Waitrose’s decision to stop selling mackerel once current stock runs out marks a historic moment for the UK grocery industry.

While it means a short-term change for shoppers, the long-term goal is clear:

To protect marine life, support sustainable fishing and ensure future generations can continue to enjoy seafood.

The move shows how supermarkets are becoming powerful drivers of environmental change — and why sustainability is now at the heart of the modern food industry.