The EU Pelagic Advisory Council (PelAC) has warned that continued overfishing of mackerel in the North East Atlantic could result in a zero total allowable catch (TAC) within two years unless strict limits are agreed.
PelAC backs deep cuts
According to Fishing News the PelAC, representing Irish, Dutch and Danish pelagic fleets, supports the 70% TAC reduction recommended by ICES scientists for 2026.
The council sharply criticises Norway, Iceland and the Faroe Islands for setting unilateral and excessive quotas, saying this “jeopardises the sustainability of the mackerel stock.”
The council urges the European Commission to use its market power as a bargaining tool in the 2026 quota talks. PelAC calls on Brussels to make market access conditional on compliance, citing EU Regulation 1026/2012 on stock conservation.
Warning of collapse
Without a strict rebuilding plan, PelAC warns that mackerel fishing could face a zero-catch scenario by 2027. It adds that ignoring ICES advice and legitimising inflated quotas has “deepened the current crisis.”
PelAC also calls for a socio-economic impact assessment of quota cuts, noting that coastal communities remain highly exposed to falling landings.