ICES has advised zero catch for sandeel fisheries in parts of the North Sea in 2026, citing weak stock status and high uncertainty in several key areas. The recommendation covers Sandeel Area 3r (northern and central North Sea and Skagerrak) and Sandeel Area 4, where scientific advice calls for no fishing in 2026.
The advice was published on 27 February 2026 by the International Council for the Exploration of the Sea (ICES).
At the same time, ICES advises that limited fishing may continue in Sandeel Area 1r around Dogger Bank, where the stock is considered healthy enough to support catches of up to 95,451 tonnes in 2026.
Stocks in the northern North Sea remain weak
In Sandeel Area 3r, ICES says the spawning stock biomass is below key precautionary thresholds, including Blim and BPA. As a result, the scientists recommend zero catch in 2026 under the maximum sustainable yield approach.
The advisory body notes that even without fishing, the stock is expected to remain below Blim in 2027, suggesting recovery could take time.
The weak outlook is linked to low recruitment and reduced spawning biomass, which limits the stock’s ability to rebuild quickly.
Precautionary advice also applies in Area 4
ICES also advises no catches in both 2026 and 2027 in Sandeel Area 4, located in the northern and central North Sea.
The assessment for this area has been downgraded due to limited data. Targeted fishing has been closed since 2024, leaving little commercial sampling data available, which increases uncertainty in the stock evaluation.
ICES therefore recommends maintaining the precautionary zero-catch approach until stronger evidence of sustainable fishing becomes available.
Dogger Bank stock allows limited fishing
Conditions differ in Sandeel Area 1r on Dogger Bank, where the spawning stock is estimated to be above both MSY and precautionary reference levels.
For this area, ICES advises that catches should not exceed 95,451 tonnes in 2026, reflecting improved biomass forecasts.
However, scientists note that recent changes in fishing patterns—partly due to the closure of UK waters to sandeel fishing since 2024—have shifted fishing effort into remaining open areas. This could increase the risk of local depletion.
Habitat protection remains critical
ICES stresses that sandeel depend on specific sandy seabed habitats where they burrow and spawn. Activities that damage seabed conditions—such as gravel extraction, offshore wind development, or oil exploration—could harm the stocks and should be carefully assessed.
Sandeel are a key forage species in the North Sea ecosystem. They play an important role in the diet of seabirds, marine mammals, and larger fish.