We determined high pressure processing (HPP) effects on the activities of cathepsins B and D in the muscles of mackerel (Scomber scombrus) and horse mackerel (Trachurus trachurus). In mackerel, the cathepsin B activity decrease reached 40% at 450 MPa while in horse mackerel, low and intermediate pressures (150 and 300 MPa) caused an activity increase (30%) but at 450 MPa a decrease of up to 60%. In both species, cathepsin D activity increased after a 300 MPa treatment (up to 2-fold for mackerel and 60% for horse mackerel) and decreased on a 450 MPa treatment. The activity increase is probably due to HPP damage of lysosome releasing enzymes into the fish muscle. Based on the HPP effects on the activities of cathepsins B and D, 450 MPa may be used to reduce the proteolytic activity of cathepsin B prior to chilled or frozen storage of these fish species.Keywords: high pressure processing; fish; Scomber scombrus; Trachurus trachurus; mackerel and horse mackere; proteolytic enzymesSmall pelagic fish species, such as the Atlantic mackerel (Scomber scombrus) and Atlantic horse mackerel (Trachurus trachurus), are important fishery resources in many coastal areas of South European countries (Mbarki et al. 2009). Horse mackerel has been attracting great attention because of its moderate price and large quantities captured in West-European countries