Effects of capture-related stress and pre-freezing holding in refrigerated sea water (RSW) on the muscle quality and storage stability of Atlantic mackerel (Scomber scombrus) during subsequent frozen storage

•Interactive effects on crowding stress, refrigerated seawater holding and frozen storage.•Quality metrics with K-value, WHC, cathepsin activity, lipid oxidation, texture, pH, colour.•Frozen storage with the largest and most consistent direct effects on muscle quality.•Crowding stress affected quality through interactions with frozen storage and RSW treatment.•Further studies with larger sample sizes necessary to elucidate complex effects and interactions.