|
Mackerel Scomber scombrus |
Size:
Maximum size: 66 cm and 3,5 kg. Seldom more than 40 cm and 0,7 kg. Biology: In
Europe the total stock is divided into three "components". One
is located west of Great Britain, the second is in the North Sea and
Skagerrak, and the third is found west of Portugal. These three parts of
the stock mixes in the North Sea and the Norwegian Sea during the summer
and autumn. The mackerel is then swimming close to the surface eating
krill, young herring and sprat. In January the mackerel returns to its
spawning grounds. It spawns in March – April. The mackerel in the North
Sea spawns later (May – June). Most mackerels spawns for the first time
when they are three years old. The
mackerel prefers temperatures higher than 10o C in
the summer. In
the winter it avoid water colder than 5-6 o C. A mackerel can
be 15 – 20 years old. It grows fast, and after their first summer they
are 15-20 cm. Fishing
in Norway: The first commercial
catches are taken near the coast and in some fjords in April – May.
During the summer mackerel of all sizes enter the coast, and there
are so many of them that it can be annoying for an angler. The mackerel
stays in the fjords and in costal areas untill October - November. The
commercial fishery in late summer and autumn is concentrated further west
– in the North Sea – where the average size of the mackerel is bigger
and more even. This fishery is one of the most important fisheries for the
smallest vessels as well as for the trawlers and seiners.
|
Mackerel on every hook
Distribution and spawning grounds (red)
Mackerel of all sizes enter the coast during the summer
|
|
|
fishing in Norway tackle angler sea fishing |