Blue Mackerel

Stock status overview

Distribution

Catch trend

Fishing gear

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Overview

Mackerel are among Australia’s most popular commercial fishes (particularly in the north of the country). There a number of Mackerel within the family - Blue, Grey, Spanish, School, Spanish and Spotted. All are good to eat and can be cooked in similar ways, but they do differ. Mackerels have a thin, edible skin with few scales—making them very popular to enjoy when dining out or at home. Mackerel can be fried, baked, poached, grilled, marinated, smoked and barbecued—it is considered by some to be the best barbecue fish in the South Pacific and Asia. One should always take particular care not to overcook mackerel, and if the mackerel is being fried it should first be lightly salted. Mackerel frames are excellent for fish stock. The high oiliness of these species often requires the addition of an acid to balance the richness. This is easily achieved by baking the mackerel with vinegar and vegetables that, in turn, will give the mackerel a slightly pickled taste and provide a balance of flavours. Mackerel is also perfectly suited to an aromatic herb crust, served with baked tomatoes and anchovy butter.