The traditional end-of-the-year autumn mackerel fishery is now underway with Scottish boats reporting good marks of fish on grounds to the east of Shetland.

The size and quality of the fish caught is reported to be excellent, with there being strong market demand, especially from Japan.

Scottish processors continue to increase market share for mackerel in key east Asian markets. There is real encouragement among processors that east Asian buyers are pleased with the quality of Scottish mackerel and there are signs that this important market will continue to grow.

Export sales of frozen whole Scottish mackerel to Japan have soared from 1,074 tonnes in 2020 to 15,316 tonnes in 2023, with a value of around £25m. Even more notably, there has been a significant increase in market share for Scottish caught mackerel.

North-east Atlantic mackerel is in its best condition in terms of quality when the shoals enter UK northern waters in October, which lie close to the main mackerel processing centres in the north-east of Scotland and Shetland. This means Scottish boats can land their fish a very short time after catching, ensuring the best possible quality.