Mackerel is a migratory fish that swims in schools near the surface. It is an excellent swimmer, lacks a swim bladder, and can make lightning-fast ascents and descents in the water. Mackerel can grow up to 50 cm long. When feeding, it swims at high speed with its mouth open, using its gill rakers to filter out the water. This way, it ingests nutrients such as plankton and fish eggs.

In April - May, it spawns in the central parts of the North Sea. Some also come closer to the Norwegian coast to find nourishment and spawn. Mackerel feeds on young herring, sprat, and after spawning becomes what is popularly called autumn mackerel. In August - September, it moves away from the coast.

Mackerel fry grow quickly, and by autumn, "pir" - young mackerel can be fished.

Usage: Used for consumption, either as fresh, frozen, marinated, or smoked. It is also canned and used in, for example, mackerel in tomato. Some of the mackerel is used in the production of meal and oil.

Fishing gear: Purse seine and trawl.

Nutritional content: In spring, the mackerel has a low fat content, while the autumn mackerel can contain about 30% fat, thus providing large amounts of Omega 3 fatty acids. It is also a very good source of vitamins B12 and D.