Its title, the Mackerel, its biology, assessment and the mangement of a fishery -clearly sums up the coverage of this book. The author, Dr Lockwood, took over the UK's mackerel research programme at a critical time and this has enabled him to give a unique review of events which preceded and led to a revival of the English mackerel fishery in the 70s, when the UK catches were increased ten-fold in the space of five years, and this is placed in the context of the development of the European mackerel fishery. Although a distinguished scientist, he has spent much time liaising with the fishing industry and writes with its needs in mind, covering the biology of the fish, the historical background and every factor affecting the management of the fishery in the future.