The cod population in the Barents Sea is still in trouble. Marine researchers now recommend another quota cut for Northeast Arctic cod (skrei) in 2026.
“The spawning stock is below the precautionary level. That’s why we’re lowering the advice again,” says researcher Bjarte Bogstad from the Institute of Marine Research.
The new quota recommendation is 269,440 tonnes. That’s 14% less than the 2025 advice, and 21% lower than the set quota for this year. If followed, this would be the lowest cod quota since 1991.
Decline since the peak in 2013
From 2021 to 2024, cod quotas were reduced by about 20% each year. In 2025, the drop was even steeper. This trend is linked to a steady decline in the spawning population since its peak in 2013.
Bogstad believes 2025 and 2026 will be the low point. If the advice is followed, the quota might increase again from 2027.
Recruitment of young cod has been poor since 2014. The weakest year classes were born in 2019 and 2020. More recent courses, such as those from 2021, are around average, but still not strong.
Haddock stocks look healthy.
In contrast, haddock stocks look healthier. The scientists advise a catch limit of 153,293 tonnes for haddock in 2026—up 43% from the previous year’s advice.
The year classes from 2021 to 2024 appear slightly above average, giving hope for further increases.
Despite geopolitical tensions, Norwegian and Russian scientists continue to collaborate on fisheries research in the Barents Sea. Their shared advice forms the basis for setting quotas through the Joint Fisheries Commission.