EU fisheries ministers reached an agreement after two days of intense discussions on quotas for 2026. The Council of Agriculture and Fisheries Ministers approved catch limits and fishing effort rules, with some measures extending to 2028. The deal covers key commercial stocks across the Atlantic, North Sea, Mediterranean, and Black Sea, giving fishermen clearer guidance for the coming years.
The agreement defines fishing effort by combining vessel size, engine power, and days spent at sea. After long negotiations, all 27 Member States agreed on a compromise that respects scientific advice while protecting the sector’s economic health. Danish fisheries minister Jacob Jensen said the deal provides certainty for fishermen in 2026 and helps secure sustainable conditions for the future.
Northern seas see mixed quota changes
In the Atlantic and North Sea, the EU manages 24 total allowable catches independently. Regulators increased quotas for some species, including megrim, which rose 12 percent in waters south of the Bay of Biscay. Norway lobster quotas jumped 54 percent in the same region, reflecting improved stock assessments.
Other species saw reductions across northern waters. Standard sole quotas fell 45 percent in the Kattegat and Baltic Sea. Horse mackerel allowances dropped 5 percent in Portuguese waters. Pollack quotas decreased 13 percent, and monkfish limits fell 1 percent. Mackerel remains a provisional case, with first-half quotas cut by 70 percent while North-East Atlantic coastal countries complete consultations.
Southern regions maintain cautious stability
In the Western Mediterranean, regulators kept trawler fishing effort at 2025 levels and maintained limits for blue and red shrimp. These decisions aim to protect sensitive stocks. In the Black Sea, managers slightly lowered turbot quotas compared with last year, reflecting a careful approach to preserve stock health in the region.
