EU fisheries ministers concluded two days of intensive talks and agreed on fishing quotas for 2026. The Council of Agriculture and Fisheries Ministers approved limits on catches and fishing effort, with some measures extending until 2028. The agreement governs key commercial stocks across the Atlantic, North Sea, Mediterranean, and Black Sea, providing the sector with much-needed clarity and predictability.
Fishing effort is calculated based on vessel size, engine power, and the number of days spent at sea. After lengthy negotiations, all 27 Member States agreed on a compromise that combines scientific advice with economic considerations. Danish fisheries minister Jacob Jensen emphasized that the deal ensures planning certainty for fishermen while supporting long-term sustainability of the fisheries sector.
Northern Waters See Both Increases and Cuts
In the Atlantic and North Sea, the EU manages 24 total allowable catches independently. Regulators raised quotas for some species after improved stock assessments. Megrim quotas increased by 12 percent south of the Bay of Biscay, while Norway lobster rose by 54 percent in the same area.
At the same time, authorities reduced quotas for several other species. Standard sole limits dropped by 45 percent in the Kattegat and Baltic Sea, horse mackerel by 5 percent in Portuguese waters, pollack by 13 percent, and monkfish by 1 percent. Mackerel remains unresolved, with ministers setting provisional quotas for the first half of 2026, cutting them by 70 percent while consultations among North-East Atlantic coastal countries continue.
Southern Seas Prioritize Consistency
In the Western Mediterranean, policymakers maintained 2025 trawler fishing effort levels. They also preserved limits for blue and red shrimp, aiming to prevent additional pressure on vulnerable stocks. In the Black Sea, managers slightly reduced turbot quotas compared with last year, reflecting a careful and cautious approach to stock management in the region.
