Sweden has set the pelagic coastal and regional fishing quotas for 2026, defining how herring, sprat and mackerel fishing will be shared in the Baltic Sea and nearby waters next year.
The decision was taken by the Swedish Agency for Marine and Water Management (Havs- och vattenmyndigheten) and is based on the EU-approved Swedish fishing quotas for 2026.
The ruling sets clear limits on coastal fleets and regional allocations, shaping where, how, and by whom pelagic fish can be caught throughout the year.
Clear split between coastal and regional fishing
For eastern Baltic herring, Sweden has set a coastal quota of 3.0 million kg and a regional allocation of 8.0 million kg. Northern Baltic herring is given a coastal quota of 1.5 million kilograms, with 675,000 kg reserved for regional allocation.
In the western Baltic, the full Swedish herring quota of just 140,000 kg is placed in the coastal quota due to tight stock limits.
Baltic sprat is allocated 1.0 million kg for coastal fishing and 5.0 million kilograms of regional distribution.
Who can access the regional quotas
HaV states that only trawlers fishing exclusively in the Baltic Sea and landing catches in Baltic ports can receive the regional extra allocation. The system is designed to support regional landings and keep fishing activity tied to Baltic communities.
According to HaV, coastal quotas are set high enough to allow fishing to continue through most of the year without early closures.
The authority makes these pelagic quota decisions annually, in line with EU quota rulings and national policy goals.