The EU pelagic fishing industry has warned that 2026 could become one of its most challenging years in decades, as major pelagic stocks face significant quota cuts and talks between Coastal States remain stalled.

The sector says that mackerel, blue whiting, and North Sea herring quotas are set to fall, placing fleets, processors, and coastal communities under severe pressure.

The European Association of Fish Producers Organisations (EAPO), in collaboration with the Northern Pelagic Working Group (NPWG), emphasises the need for an urgent agreement among the EU, UK, Norway, the Faroe Islands, Iceland, and other stakeholders to prevent continued overfishing and further stock decline.

Steep Mackerel Cuts

ICES has advised a 70% cut in mackerel catch limits for 2026, down to 174,357 tonnes, after the stock has fallen below critical spawning levels.

Only around one-fifth of that would go to EU fleets. The industry attributes this decline primarily to years of unilateral quota setting by other coastal states, rather than to EU fishing.

Industry leaders say that unless Coastal States agree to a shared quota system again, the EU’s main pelagic fishery risks collapse.

Call for Emergency Sharing Arrangement

The sector supports a temporary emergency deal for 2026, based on the old allocation system. It also calls for catch limits in international waters, where wide-area trawling has led to waste and poor fish condition.

The industry also wants the EU to use its power as the largest seafood market to pressure Coastal States that continue to set excessive, unilateral quotas.

Blue Whiting Advice Under Dispute

ICES has advised a 41% cut in blue whiting TAC for 2026. However, the industry argues that adverse weather conditions skewed the scientific survey and suggests that the decrease should be capped at 20%, consistent with the long-term management plan.

Without a correction, fleets risk unnecessary economic damage.

Herring Split Between Rising Stock and Falling Quotas

Atlanto-Scandian herring advice is up 33%, helped by two strong year classes. However, the North Sea herring faces another significant cut, over 30%, unless the EU, UK, and Norway agree on a long-term strategy to reduce year-to-year fluctuations.

The industry warns that coastal communities relying on herring are entering a period of financial strain.