The International Council for the Exploration of the Sea (ICES) has advised a steep cut in blue whiting catches for 2026. The scientific body recommends a limit of 851,344 tonnes – a 41% reduction compared with last year’s advice.
The call comes after new surveys showed a significant downward revision in stock size, raising fears about the future of one of the North Atlantic’s most critical pelagic species.
Stock takes a hit
According to ICES, the spawning stock remains above danger levels, but fishing pressure is still too high. A recent international survey indicated a 34% fall in total stock abundance. Scientists warn that the fishery will depend heavily on two strong year classes from 2020 and 2021.
This makes the stock vulnerable if recruitment, the number of young fish entering the population, stays low. ICES states that the most recent year classes are small, which could cause the spawning stock to decline further in the coming years.
A history of overshooting
ICES also highlighted that since 2018, the agreed management plan has often been ignored. Coastal States – the EU, UK, Norway, Iceland, and the Faroe Islands – have set unilateral quotas above the recommended catch.
Such overshooting, ICES warns, increases the risk of the stock falling below safe levels and could result in long-term loss of catches.
Industry faces uncertainty
Blue whiting is a vital species for fishmeal and fish oil production, fuelling aquaculture and animal feed industries. In 2024, catches exceeded 1.7 million tonnes, with Norway, Iceland, and the Faroe Islands among the most prominent players.
The recommended cut to 851,344 tonnes will therefore significantly impact the sector. Negotiations between the Coastal States are expected to be tense, as each country fights for its share of a much smaller quota.