EU pelagic industry warns 2026 quota cuts threaten mackerel, blue whiting, herring and boarfish, urging urgent EU action
Industry Calls for Action to Counter Overfishing by Non-EU States
The European Association of Fish Producers Organisations (EAPO) and its Northern Pelagic Working Group (NPWG) have issued a stark warning to the European Commission and Council that the 2026 fishing opportunities represent a “tipping point” for the EU pelagic fleet.
In their joint position paper on fishing opportunities for 2026, the two organisations describe a scenario of economic and ecological risk unless the EU urgently intervenes to curb unilateral overfishing by non-EU states and correct what they describe as “unrealistic and destabilising” scientific recommendations from the International Council for the Exploration of the Sea (ICES).
The paper focuses on mackerel, blue whiting, boarfish, and North Sea herring — key commercial species for EU pelagic fleets. The organisations stress that these stocks underpin the economic viability of major fishing nations including Ireland, Denmark, the Netherlands, France, and Spain.
“Perfect Storm” for Mackerel Industry
ICES has recommended a 70 percent reduction in the mackerel Total Allowable Catch (TAC) for 2026, citing reduced spawning stock biomass. However, EAPO and NPWG argue that the current crisis is the direct result of years of unilateral overfishing by Norway, the Faroe Islands, Iceland, and the United Kingdom — with non-EU catches now exceeding EU effort by more than 40 percent.
“The loudest alarm bells yet are sounding for the mackerel stock,” the position paper states. “Excess catches by all coastal states except the EU have pushed mackerel below critical spawning levels. Action against this irresponsible behaviour is needed without delay, as the most important and valuable EU pelagic fishery is at risk of being wiped out.”
The EAPO insists the EU must not bear the economic burden alone. It calls for:
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Immediate enforcement measures and trade restrictions targeting non-EU overfishing nations.
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A new emergency sharing arrangement for mackerel by early 2026, based on historic catch records and limits in international waters.
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An economic support framework for fleets and processors affected by potential quota reductions.
The paper adds: “No sharing arrangements, no fish – this is now close to reality. Targeted EU market actions against excessive, unjustified unilateral quotas are overdue and critical.”
Questioning Science Behind Blue Whiting and Boarfish Cuts
ICES has also advised a 41 percent cut to blue whiting and a 22 percent cut to boarfish. The EAPO and NPWG challenge the methodology and argue that the underlying data were compromised by poor survey conditions in 2025.
“The blue whiting assessment was influenced by inconsistent survey results. A maximum 20 percent reduction would be sufficient to ensure sustainability while preserving fleet viability,” the paper argues.
Similarly, for boarfish, the organisations claim that a single “flawed” survey data point has exaggerated the appearance of stock decline. They call for a full review of the data series before setting new TACs.
North Sea Herring and the Impact of Offshore Development
For North Sea herring, the position paper calls for a strengthened long-term management strategy and specific measures to protect spawning grounds. The EAPO warns that growing offshore wind development, sand and gravel extraction, and coastal construction are having measurable effects on the species’ reproductive habitats.
“No activities that negatively impact spawning habitats should be allowed unless proven non-detrimental,” the paper says. It recommends that any new marine developments be assessed for ecological impact prior to approval, with fishing interests formally consulted at every stage.
A Call for Balanced Management and Accountability
While supporting science-based management, EAPO and NPWG say the current ICES approach “fails to reflect socio-economic realities.” They urge the European Commission to request a comprehensive socio-economic impact assessment before setting 2026 quotas and to provide emergency financial assistance for the EU pelagic fleet.
“Decision-makers must not ignore the survival of our fishing communities,” the paper states. “While management must be based on science, it is equally essential that socio-economic impacts are fully integrated into policy decisions.”
Market Measures and Trade Leverage
The position paper urges the EU to use its leverage as the world’s largest seafood market to impose restrictions on unsustainable third-country products. It recommends that any state setting autonomous quotas or failing to adhere to coastal-state agreements be denied access to EU markets and waters.
“Market access for these nations must be conditional upon compliance with agreed management frameworks,” the EAPO concludes. “The EU must defend its fleets, its science, and its own integrity — not reward those who defy both.”
Industry Outlook
The EAPO warns that without decisive political action, the EU pelagic sector faces “a downward spiral of quota loss, economic collapse, and fleet contraction.” The organisation says the time for “diplomatic patience” has passed and that enforcement mechanisms, sanctions, and binding quota frameworks must be established before the December Fisheries Council.
