The Atlantic mackerel (Scomber scombrus) plays a vital role in the Pembrokeshire coastal marine ecosystem. Known for its iridescent blue-green tiger stiped back and swift, schooling behavior, the mackerel is a commercially valuable fish. The Atlantic mackerel is between 30 and 45 cm long and can live for between 12 and 20 years
Mackerel are migratory, pelagic fish. They move in large shoals along the western coasts of the British Isles, including the waters surrounding St Brides Bay and Cardigan Bay. During the warmer months, they migrate closer to shore, drawn by an abundance of plankton. They Feed primarily on zooplankton such as copepods, as well as small fish like sand eels. Mackerel convert microscopic marine life into energy that can be transferred up the food chain.
This makes them a crucial prey species for a variety of predators. Seabirds, including puffins and gannets, rely heavily on mackerel during breeding season. Marine mammals such as dolphins and seals are also frequent hunters of these fast-moving fish. Even larger predatory fish, including tuna and sharks, depend on mackerel shoals as a rich food source. In this way, mackerel act as an essential ecological bridge, supporting biodiversity in the Pembrokeshire coastal waters.
The health of mackerel populations is closely tied to environmental conditions. Changes in sea temperature, plankton availability, and ocean currents, all influenced by climate change, can alter their migratory patterns. In recent years, shifts in distribution have happened, with mackerel appearing earlier in the season or in slightly different locations along the Welsh coast. Such changes can have cascading effects, disrupting established feeding relationships within the ecosystem.
Traditionally mackerel are a key species for Pembrokeshire based fishermen, both commercial and recreational or subsistence fishers. While mackerel are fairly resilient because of their high reproductive rate, overfishing is still a problem. Sustainable management is essential to ensure that their populations remain stable, preserving their role within the ecosystem. You can try mackerel fishing from various points around the Pembrokeshire coast with a number of fishing boat trip and charters available.
