At Last: The Atlantic Mackerel
The Atlantic mackerel, also known as the Boston mackerel, Norwegian mackerel, Scottish mackerel or common mackerel (Scomber scombrus) is a the type species of the mackerels. It resides throughout the Atlantic Ocean, particularly along the coasts of northern North America, northern Europe, and the Mediterranean, Black, and Baltic Seas. They generally prefer colder waters, and can be found between depths of 200 m (660 ft) and 1,000 m (3,300 ft).
Common mackerel are a migratory species; between April and July they are rarely farther than 48 km (30 mi) from the shoreline, when they spawn; the rest of the year father north and in deeper waters. Both males and females release their gametes into the water; females may release up to 450,000 eggs in a single spawning season. The eggs hatch within 4-7 days, depending on the water temperature-- warmer waters hatch eggs faster. Juveniles grow rapidly, and reach full maturity in 2 years. Adults may live up to 20 years in the wild.
Juveniles spend the day at greater depths, and swim up to the surface at night to feed, while adults are active throughout the day. S. scombrus typically travels in large schools-- up to several thousand individuals. They feed primarily on crustaceans such as copepods, krill, and shrimp. In turn, they are prey for a variety of animals including seabirds such as gannets, grey seals, dogfish, bluefin tuna, and sharks.
Conservation status: Atlantic mackerel are classified as Least Concern by the IUCN. The population is currently considered widespread and stable. However, the IUCN and many oceanic institutes counsel close monitoring, due to the species' widespread popularity for commercial fishing and the warming of its waters as part of climate change.
Photos
Oceana Canada
JC Shou
Dr. Giuseppe Mazza
