EU fisheries ministers reached a final agreement on fishing quotas for 2026 after two days of intense negotiations. The Council of Agriculture and Fisheries Ministers approved catch limits and fishing effort rules for 2026, with some measures extending through 2028. The deal covers the most commercially important fish stocks in the Atlantic, the North Sea, the Mediterranean, and the Black Sea, setting the framework for fishing activity across European waters.
Fishing effort reflects a combination of vessel size, engine power, and the number of days spent at sea. After lengthy discussions, all 27 Member States agreed on a compromise that balances scientific advice with the economic needs of the fishing sector. Danish fisheries minister Jacob Jensen said the agreement gives fishermen clarity about their fishing opportunities in 2026 and supports long-term sustainability for the industry.
Quota changes redefine Atlantic and northern waters
In the Atlantic and North Sea, the European Union manages 24 total allowable catches on its own. The new figures increase quotas for several species, including megrim, which rises by 12 percent in waters south of the Bay of Biscay. Norway lobster also sees a significant boost, with quotas climbing by 54 percent in the same area.
Other stocks face notable reductions under the new rules. Authorities cut standard sole quotas by 45 percent in the Kattegat and Baltic Sea, while horse mackerel allowances fall by 5 percent in Portuguese waters. Pollack quotas drop by 13 percent, and monkfish limits decrease by 1 percent. Mackerel remains unresolved, as ministers set provisional quotas for the first half of the year with a 70 percent reduction, pending ongoing talks among North-East Atlantic coastal states.
Southern seas see limited adjustments
In the Western Mediterranean, regulators keep trawling effort at the same level as in 2025. Authorities also maintain existing limits for blue and red shrimp, offering stability for fleets operating in the region. In the Black Sea, managers introduce a small reduction in turbot quotas compared with last year, reflecting cautious stock management.
