Greenland and Norway have agreed to a bilateral fisheries deal for 2026, reducing quotas on both sides after fresh scientific advice indicated a continued decline in Barents Sea cod stocks.
The agreement sets the terms for Greenlandic fishing in Norwegian waters and Norwegian fishing in Greenlandic waters. Greenland’s quotas in Norwegian waters have been reduced by 780 tonnes of cod, 142 tonnes of haddock, and 121 tonnes of saithe.
As a result, Norway’s quotas in Greenlandic waters have also been cut across several species, including Greenland halibut, cod, redfish, and tusk.
Barents Sea advice drives cuts
The reductions follow scientific advice that continues to point to a downward trend in cod in the Barents Sea. This advice formed the basis for the quota cuts agreed by the two sides for 2026.
For Greenland, the lower quotas apply to cod, haddock, and saithe fished in Norwegian waters, including the Barents Sea. The agreement also covers bycatch quotas linked to these fisheries.
Lower Norwegian quotas in Greenlandic waters
Norway’s access to Greenlandic waters has been scaled back in response. Quotas have been reduced by 100 tonnes of Greenland halibut in West Greenland and 70 tonnes in East Greenland.
Cod quotas in Greenlandic waters have been cut by 630 tonnes. Smaller reductions apply to Greenland halibut, redfish, tusk, and witch flounder in East Greenland.
A table published with the announcement shows that several of these quotas are at their lowest levels in recent years, continuing a downward trend since 2024.
Talks held online in early January
The annual negotiations were held online at the official level from 6 to 8 January 2026. Greenland’s delegation was led by the Ministry of Fisheries, Hunting, Agriculture and Self-Sufficiency, with officials from fisheries control, the finance authorities, the Greenland Institute of Natural Resources, and industry representatives participating.
The new protocol will be published on the government website once it has been translated into Greenlandic.