After two days of intense negotiations, EU fisheries ministers agreed on fishing quotas for 2026. The Council of Agriculture and Fisheries Ministers approved catch limits and rules for fishing effort, with some provisions extending to 2028. The agreement addresses key commercial stocks across the Atlantic, North Sea, Mediterranean, and Black Sea, providing clearer guidance for the fishing industry.
The deal defines fishing effort as a combination of vessel size, engine power, and days at sea. All 27 Member States reached a compromise that balances scientific recommendations with economic realities. Danish fisheries minister Jacob Jensen said the agreement ensures fishermen know their opportunities in 2026 while supporting long-term sustainability for the sector.
Shifts in northern fish quotas highlight stock trends
In the Atlantic and North Sea, the EU directly manages 24 total allowable catches. Authorities raised quotas for certain species in response to improved stock assessments. Megrim quotas increased by 12 percent south of the Bay of Biscay, and Norway lobster saw a 54 percent rise in the same waters.
At the same time, several other stocks faced cuts. Standard sole quotas dropped by 45 percent in the Kattegat and Baltic Sea. Horse mackerel in Portuguese waters fell by 5 percent, pollack by 13 percent, and monkfish by 1 percent. Mackerel remains uncertain, with ministers setting provisional quotas for the first half of the year—a 70 percent reduction—while consultations among North-East Atlantic countries continue.
Southern waters maintain cautious but steady limits
In the Western Mediterranean, officials kept trawler effort at 2025 levels. They also maintained current quotas for blue and red shrimp to avoid additional pressure on sensitive species. In the Black Sea, turbot quotas fell slightly compared with last year. Authorities opted for a cautious approach to manage stocks sustainably while maintaining fishing opportunities.
