Denmark’s fishing industry has warned that the upcoming quota talks for 2026 may be delayed, risking a halt to fishing from 1 January if negotiations between the EU, Norway, and the UK do not conclude in time.
The Danish Fishermen’s Association – Danmarks Fiskeriforening (DFPO) – states in a consultation response to the Danish Ministry of Food (Fødevareministeriet) that the talks appear more challenging than usual, particularly regarding North Sea herring and quota exchanges with Norway.
The organisation stresses that stability is vital, as fuel costs and market prices have fluctuated significantly since 2022.
DFPO also reiterates its call for socio-economic impact assessments to be included when the EU sets quotas, a requirement that the Commission has yet to fulfil, despite being mandated under the Common Fisheries Policy.
Concerns over cod advice
One of the most sensitive issues is cod in the North Sea. ICES has advised stringent limits. However, DFPO questions the scientific basis for assuming that the northern and southern cod components mix to the degree suggested, citing limited tagging data that does not prove complete mixing outside the spawning season.
The group also argues that warming seas and shifting plankton patterns mean the southern cod component is unlikely to return to historic levels, regardless of how low the quota is set.
Instead of a zero-catch approach, DFPO proposes a 25% reduction for 2026, combined with real-time closures south of 56°N and a bycatch rule to protect the more vulnerable southern cod stock. The association suggests quotas of 14,933 tonnes in the North Sea and 2,135 tonnes in Skagerrak.
DFPO warns that very low cod quotas could block fisheries for other species. If cod becomes the limiting species, vessels may have to stop fishing entirely, even if other stocks are healthy and abundant.
Pressure to strike a deal before year-end
The December Council meeting is expected to be decisive. If talks with the UK drag past the Brexit deadline, it may not be possible to complete the formal process before New Year’s Day, which could halt fishing at sea and at ports.
The Danish fleet says the priority now is simple: reach an agreement in time, avoid an unmanaged shutdown, and set quotas that reflect both biology and the survival of fishing communities.