After two days of negotiations, EU fisheries ministers agreed on quotas for 2026. The Council of Agriculture and Fisheries Ministers approved both catch limits and fishing effort rules, with some measures extending to 2028. The agreement covers key commercial fish stocks across the Atlantic, North Sea, Mediterranean, and Black Sea, providing clearer guidance and planning certainty for the fishing sector.
Fishing effort combines vessel size, engine power, and the number of days at sea. After thorough discussions, all 27 Member States reached a compromise balancing scientific advice with economic sustainability. Danish fisheries minister Jacob Jensen said the agreement gives fishermen clear expectations for 2026 and promotes long-term stability in the sector.
Northern Waters See a Mix of Increases and Cuts
In the Atlantic and North Sea, the EU sets 24 total allowable catches independently. Authorities raised quotas for several species in southern Bay of Biscay waters. Megrim quotas increased by 12 percent, while Norway lobster saw a 54 percent rise, reflecting healthy stock trends.
Other northern stocks faced reductions. Standard sole quotas dropped by 45 percent in the Kattegat and Baltic Sea, horse mackerel fell 5 percent in Portuguese waters, pollack decreased by 13 percent, and monkfish fell by 1 percent. Mackerel remains unresolved, with ministers setting provisional quotas for the first half of the year, cutting them by 70 percent while North-East Atlantic coastal states continue consultations.
Southern Seas Prioritize Steady Management
In the Western Mediterranean, officials maintained trawler fishing effort at 2025 levels. Limits for blue and red shrimp also remained unchanged 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 long-term sustainability in the region.
