Atlantic quota cuts dominate EU Fisheries Council deal for 2026, with increases limited and reductions widespread across key stocks.
Atlantic And North Sea Quotas Set Amid Cuts
EU fisheries ministers have agreed catch limits for 24 total allowable catches managed autonomously by the bloc in the Atlantic and North Sea, with the overall outcome dominated by quota reductions rather than increases.
While the Council cited positive scientific advice and stock improvements for a small number of fisheries, the headline result for the Atlantic fishing sector was a series of cuts across commercially significant stocks, underlining the continued fragility of many assessments.
Catch limits were increased for megrims by 12 percent in the Bay of Biscay south, Portuguese waters and the Azores, waters around Madeira and the Canary Islands. Norway lobster in the Bay of Biscay, excluding the southern area, saw a 54 percent increase, reflecting advice pointing to stronger stock conditions in that zone.
However, ministers agreed far more reductions than increases. Common sole faced a 45 percent cut in the Kattegat and the eastern and western Baltic Sea, with a further one percent reduction in the Bay of Biscay north and central areas. Horse mackerel quotas in Portuguese waters were reduced by five percent, while pollack in the Bay of Biscay, Portuguese waters and the Azores, waters around Madeira and the Canary Islands was cut by 13 percent.
Norway lobster quotas were reduced by 23 percent in Portuguese waters and the Azores, waters around Madeira and the Canary Islands, and anglerfish in the same broad area was cut by one percent. Ministers said these decisions were taken to safeguard stocks in line with scientific advice while attempting to balance socioeconomic considerations for the fishing industry.
Mackerel remains unresolved. With coastal state consultations still ongoing, the Council agreed provisional catch limits for the first six months of 2026. These were set at a level reflecting a 70 percent reduction in line with scientific advice, pending agreement on a full TAC. Given the seasonal nature of the mackerel fishery, the provisional limits were fixed at 90 percent of the advised level for the period.
For stocks subject to annual bilateral EU-Norway consultations, ministers also agreed provisional 2026 catch limits, pending the signing of an agreed record. These interim decisions add further uncertainty for parts of the Atlantic fishing community heading into the new year.
Mediterranean And Black Sea Measures Largely Rolled Over
In contrast, changes in the Mediterranean and Black Sea were limited. In the western Mediterranean, ministers agreed to maintain 2025 fishing effort levels for trawlers operating in Spanish, French and Italian waters.
The Council confirmed the continuation of the compensation mechanism, slightly adjusted, allowing additional fishing days for operators using more selective gear or operating under national conservation measures. Ministers argued this would reduce fishing mortality while minimising socioeconomic impact.
Catch limits for blue and red shrimp were rolled over for Spanish, French and Italian waters, with the same decision applying to giant red shrimp in Italian and French waters.
In the Black Sea, turbot received a slightly lower TAC than in 2025, incorporating a carry-over of unused EU quota from 2024. The seasonal closure from 15 April to 15 June was maintained. Sprat quotas were rolled over unchanged.
Next Steps And Policy Context
Following legal and linguistic checks, the Council will formally adopt the regulations at an upcoming meeting. The measures will be published in the Official Journal and apply from 1 January 2026.
The annual December agreement on TACs and quotas is based on Commission proposals and scientific advice from ICES and STECF. Ministers said the deal respects the objectives of the common fisheries policy, including ecological sustainability, economic viability and social considerations, while aligning with EU multiannual plans and regional fisheries management decisions.
