EU fisheries ministers completed two days of intense negotiations and agreed on fishing quotas for 2026. The Council of Agriculture and Fisheries Ministers approved catch limits and rules for fishing effort next year, with some measures extending to 2028. The pact covers major commercial fish stocks in the Atlantic, North Sea, Mediterranean, and Black Sea, providing the sector with clearer guidance for planning and operations.
Fishing effort is measured by vessel size, engine power, and days spent at sea. After detailed discussions, all 27 Member States reached a compromise that aligns scientific advice with economic needs. Danish fisheries minister Jacob Jensen said the agreement gives fishermen confidence in their 2026 prospects and strengthens the foundations for a sustainable future in the sector.
Northern Waters See Mixed Quota Adjustments
In the Atlantic and North Sea, the EU manages 24 total allowable catches independently. Authorities raised quotas for some species after stock assessments showed recovery. Megrim quotas increased by 12 percent in waters south of the Bay of Biscay. Norway lobster quotas jumped 54 percent in the same area, reflecting improved population levels.
At the same time, officials reduced catches for several northern species. Standard sole fell 45 percent in the Kattegat and Baltic Sea. Horse mackerel dropped 5 percent in Portuguese waters, while pollack declined 13 percent and monkfish 1 percent. Mackerel remains unresolved; ministers introduced provisional first-half quotas, cutting them by 70 percent pending ongoing talks among North-East Atlantic coastal states.
Southern Seas Policies Focus on Stability
In the Western Mediterranean, authorities kept trawler fishing effort at 2025 levels. They also preserved existing limits for blue and red shrimp to prevent additional pressure on sensitive stocks. In the Black Sea, turbot quotas decreased slightly compared with last year. Officials opted for a cautious approach, reflecting the need to protect vulnerable stocks while maintaining regional fishing activity.
