EU fisheries ministers finalized two days of negotiations, approving quotas for 2026. The Council of Agriculture and Fisheries Ministers set catch limits and fishing effort levels, with some rules extending to 2028. The deal covers key commercial stocks in the Atlantic, North Sea, Mediterranean, and Black Sea, providing the industry with clearer guidance for the coming years.
The agreement defines fishing effort by combining vessel size, engine power, and the number of days at sea. After intense discussions, all 27 Member States reached a compromise that balances scientific advice with economic needs. Danish fisheries minister Jacob Jensen emphasized that the agreement gives fishermen certainty for 2026 and supports sustainable fisheries management in the future.
Northern waters see quota increases and reductions
In the Atlantic and North Sea, the EU manages 24 total allowable catches independently. Authorities raised quotas for some species after reviewing stock assessments. Megrim quotas rose by 12 percent in waters south of the Bay of Biscay, while Norway lobster limits increased sharply by 54 percent.
Other species faced tighter restrictions. Standard sole quotas fell 45 percent in the Kattegat and Baltic Sea. Horse mackerel in Portuguese waters dropped 5 percent, pollack fell 13 percent, and monkfish was cut by 1 percent. Mackerel remains a provisional case, with ministers reducing first-half quotas by 70 percent while North-East Atlantic coastal countries continue consultations.
Southern seas prioritize continuity and caution
In the Western Mediterranean, regulators maintained 2025 trawler effort levels. Limits for blue and red shrimp remained unchanged to protect sensitive stocks. In the Black Sea, managers slightly reduced turbot quotas compared with last year, reflecting a cautious approach and ongoing attention to conservation.
