EU fisheries ministers finalized two days of negotiations with an agreement on quotas for 2026. The Council of Agriculture and Fisheries Ministers approved catch limits and fishing effort rules for next year, with some measures extending to 2028. The deal covers major commercial stocks in the Atlantic, North Sea, Mediterranean, and Black Sea, giving fishing communities clearer guidelines and stability.
Fishing effort combines vessel size, engine power, and the number of days spent at sea. After intense discussions, all 27 Member States agreed on a compromise that reflects scientific advice and ensures economic viability for the sector. Danish fisheries minister Jacob Jensen said the agreement provides fishermen with certainty for 2026 and strengthens long-term sustainability in the industry.
Northern Waters Face Both Increases and Cuts
In the Atlantic and North Sea, the EU manages 24 total allowable catches independently. Authorities raised quotas for several species, including megrim, which rose 12 percent south of the Bay of Biscay, and Norway lobster, which jumped 54 percent in the same area, reflecting healthier stocks.
Meanwhile, several species saw reduced quotas. Standard sole fell 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 the year, cutting them by 70 percent while negotiations continue among North-East Atlantic coastal countries.
Southern Seas Maintain Stability with Minor Adjustments
In the Western Mediterranean, officials kept trawler fishing effort at 2025 levels. They also maintained existing limits for blue and red shrimp to avoid overpressure on sensitive stocks. In the Black Sea, turbot quotas dropped slightly compared with last year, reflecting a cautious approach to stock management and ongoing efforts to ensure sustainable fisheries in the region.
