South Pacific Chilean jack mackerel fishery regains MSC certification, with seven European pelagic trawlers included
The South Pacific Chilean jack mackerel fishery has been recertified against the Marine Stewardship Council (MSC) fisheries standard, covering seven European pelagic trawlers flying the flags of Germany, the Netherlands, Poland and Lithuania. The fishery was first certified by the MSC in 2020 and has now been renewed following a new round of assessment.
The South Pacific Chilean jack mackerel (Trachurus murphyi) fishery has completed recertification under the Marine Stewardship Council (MSC) fisheries standard. According to a report by Danish fisheries media Fiskeritidende on 21 October 2026, citing industry magazine Plus Proces, the certification covers seven European pelagic trawlers operating under the flags of Germany, the Netherlands, Poland and Lithuania.
The fishery was first certified by the MSC in 2020 and has now been renewed following a new round of assessment.
MSC Denmark head Morten Fristrup told Plus Proces that the Chilean jack mackerel fishery's successful recertification shows that well-managed fisheries can offer credible alternatives while supporting the market's shift toward certified sustainable fisheries.
According to the MSC, Chilean jack mackerel has become an important alternative to North Atlantic mackerel.
The stock collapsed in 2011. Since then, the regional fisheries management organisation, the South Pacific Regional Fisheries Management Organisation (SPRFMO), has implemented science-based management, driving a gradual recovery of the stock. Catch quotas are currently set by South Pacific fishing nations through international cooperation, and the stock continues to be monitored based on scientific advice.