109. Recent ichthyplankton surveys (van Damme et al. 2011) did not find yolk sac mackerel larvae in the windfarm analysis area (Diagram 11.7; Diagram 11.8). Further developed larval stages were found in the vicinity of the windfarm analysis area in July, although at comparatively low levels.


110. Mackerel are of limited commercial importance in the vicinity of the windfarm analysis area (ICES rectangle 34F2), and both the inshore and offshore cable analysis areas (33F2 and 33F1). The species were relatively common in IBTS surveys and were most abundant in the windfarm analysis area (34F2) (Table 11.5).


111. Mackerel is listed as a UK BAP priority species and classified as of ‘Least Concern’ in the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species (Table 11.10). ICES advice for 2014 suggests that the existing measures to protect North Sea spawning mackerel should remain in place, including no fishing in ICES Division IVc, where the East Anglia THREE site is located (ICES Advice, 2011i).


112. Mackerel have a varied diet with adults consuming large quantities of pelagic crustaceans. They also prey on schools of smaller fish, particularly sprat, herring and sandeels (Wheeler, 1978). Juveniles consume fish larvae, crustacean larvae and their own larvae (Maitland and Ryland, 2005). Mackerel are also of importance as a food resource for sharks, marine mammals and a variety of seabirds (ICES, 2012h).


Preliminary Environmental Information May 2014


East Anglia THREE Offshore Windfarm


Appendix 11.2 Page 53


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