Significant 2026 Quota Increase for Norwegian Vessels
Norwegian vessels have received a major expansion in access to blue whiting in the EU Zone for 2026, following a decision that raises total access by 50,000 tonnes.
The new allocation gives the Norwegian fleet 97,905 tonnes to fish within the EU Zone, which in this context refers to the Irish Exclusive Economic Zone.
Blue Whiting Trawl Permit Vessels Receive Largest Share
Vessels operating with a blue whiting trawl permit will hold the majority share of the upgraded access. Their quota rises to 76,366 tonnes, with a new sub‑quota calculation unit set at 1,625.1577. This unit will determine the maximum quota available to each vessel within this segment of the fleet.
Pelagic and North Sea Trawlers Also Benefit
The remaining access covers vessels with pelagic trawl permits or North Sea trawl permits, whose collective quota increases to 21,539 tonnes. The revised sub‑quota unit for these vessels is 0.9687, forming the basis for calculating individual maximum quotas.
Immediate Implementation Across the Irish EEZ
The updated access regime takes effect from today, 27 February 2026, enabling Norwegian vessels to operate under the new allocations immediately. The increase reflects the seasonal timing of the blue whiting migration into the Irish EEZ and the ongoing quota arrangements between Norway and the EU.
Clarification Issued to Norwegian Authorities
Alongside the quota announcement, officials formally clarified to Norway that the “EU Zone” referenced in the access decision specifically means the Irish Exclusive Economic Zone. This distinction has been emphasised to avoid any ambiguity regarding the geographical scope of the increased access.
