Atlantic mackerel  (Scomber scombrus)

The North Sea and British Isles stocks of Atlantic mackerel declined drastically during the 1960's as a result of overfishing (2). Indeed, like many commercial marine fishes, the Atlantic mackerel faces severe pressure from fishing throughout its wide range (6). The overfishing of stocks of commercial fish is a severe and complex problem around the world, with many well-known species including cod and plaice in serious decline and at risk of complete collapse (7). As the technology involved in fishing has improved and the number of faster, more efficient boats has increased, populations of fish have decreased further and have been unable to reproduce fast enough to compensate for the massive losses (7). The problem can be summed up as: 'too many boats chasing too few fish' (6).

In Europe, the European Union is responsible for conserving and managing marine fish and their fisheries, with fisheries controlled by the Common Fisheries Policy (CFP) (6). However, in the past the CFP has not effectively controlled the fishing fleets of the EU; furthermore there are complex socio-economic issues involved in this controversial issue, with entire communities wholly dependent on the fishing industry (6). The International Council for the Exploration of the Seas (ICES) advises governments on the status of fish stocks, yet often their warnings have gone unheeded (7). The British Government has limited powers to initiate marine fisheries management measures. However, a grouped Action Plan for commercial marine fish has been produced under the UK Biodiversity Action Plan. This aims to minimise the collapse of local stocks of a number of commercially exploited marine fish (6).