EU raises mackerel quotas despite scientific overfishing warnings, aligning with UK Norway Iceland and Faroe Islands quota decisions.
Policy Reversal Aligns EU With Coastal States Quotas
European Union ministers have agreed to increase allowable mackerel catches in the North Atlantic, reversing an earlier commitment to follow scientific advice and instead aligning with quotas set by the United Kingdom, Norway, Iceland and the Faroe Islands.
The decision was taken during a meeting of agriculture ministers in Brussels on Monday, where representatives from the bloc’s 27 member states settled on a reduced cut of 48 percent compared to 2025 levels. This replaces the 70 percent reduction agreed in December, which had been based on recommendations from the International Council for the Exploration of the Sea.
The total allowable catch for North-East Atlantic mackerel has been set at 299,010 tonnes which is aligned at the level of the four coastal state arrangement.
Diplomatic sources confirmed the outcome, following unsuccessful talks aimed at persuading neighbouring coastal states to adopt similar reductions.
Scientific Advice Highlights Decline in Mackerel Stock
Scientific advice from ICES has warned that the Northeast Atlantic mackerel stock is under pressure, with overfishing identified as a key risk to stock sustainability.
Spawning stock biomass has declined from nearly 13 million tonnes in 2014 to less than 3 million tonnes in 2025, according to the data cited.
In December, EU member states had agreed to follow ICES advice by supporting a 70 percent reduction in catches. That position has now been revised.
EU Aligns With External Quotas Following Failed Talks
The revised reduction of 48 percent brings the EU into line with quotas agreed between the United Kingdom, Norway, Iceland and the Faroe Islands.
Earlier this month, the European Commission acknowledged a lack of progress in negotiations with coastal states.
In a statement, the Commission said, “The EU has been the only party consistently raising concerns about the need to respect the scientific advice provided by ICES and to limit the overfishing by Russia.”
Council Presidency Expresses Concern Over Severe Cut
“Following the outcome of the December Council, we engaged in thorough discussions with all concerned member states. The reduction of around 49% reflects a more gradual recovery pathway. This decision balances the needs of both the mackerel stock and the livelihoods of the fishing fleets, while adhering to scientific advice.” stated Maria Panayiotou, Cyprus Minister of Agriculture, Rural Development and Environment
Under the leadership of the Cyprus Presidency, which considered the International Council for the Exploration of the Sea (ICES) recommendations, the Council opted for a balanced approach, necessary to maintain ecological, social, and economic sustainability, in line with the principles of the Common Fisheries Policy (CFP).
The decision has garnered support among member states, as the compromise is regarded as maintaining the sustainability of the mackerel stock and ensuring the long-term viability of the EU fishing industry.
