Blue Mackerel

Blue Mackerel (Scomber australasicus)

The Blue mackerel is one of the smallest members of the tuna family. The upper sides are blue-green broken up by a darker zig zag pattern of lines and spots on the upper half of the sides and upper body, the undersides are silver white. The main areas for blue mackerel off New Zealand are around the North Island and upper South Island mostly in deeper water over the outer continental shelf. 

Blue mackerel are an oily fish with a high fat content.  The flesh is dark but lightens when cooked. The high oil content makes it is an excellent fish for smoking.

Quota in New Zealand (tonnes/annum)

Nutritional Information