Denmark has set its 2026 sandeel fishing opportunities at 93,759 tonnes in the North Sea, Skagerrak and Kattegat, with the fishery opening from 1 April under new regulatory conditions.
The quota is mainly concentrated in management area 1r, which receives 88,993 tonnes, while 2r gets 4,662 tonnes. Other areas are closed or receive minimal allocations.
Quota distribution and access rules
Fishing is not allowed in Norwegian or UK waters, or in the EU area 3.
Vessels must hold specific permits to participate. Fishing under individual transferable quotas (ITQs) can start from 1 April, while ration fishing opens on 20 April.
Only one management area may be fished per trip. Bycatch is capped at 10% per trip.
Strict monitoring and sampling requirements
All vessels above 12 metres must report detailed catch and position data for each haul.
Sampling is mandatory. Requirements vary by area and permit type, with daily or per-haul samples required in key zones.
Vessel tracking must be reported every 30 minutes during sandeel fishing.
Ration fishery capped at 15,000 tonnes
A total of 15,000 tonnes is reserved for ration fishing in areas 1r and 2r.
This is split into 8,273 tonnes in 1r and 6,727 tonnes in 2r. Weekly catch limits are set at 150 tonnes in 1r and 75 tonnes in 2r.
Fishing will be stopped when 70% of these allocations are taken. Remaining volumes will then be redistributed.
Limited access in Kattegat
Fishing in Kattegat (area 6) is capped at 118 tonnes and restricted to a maximum of three vessels.
Permits will be allocated by application, with a lottery if demand exceeds capacity.
The regulation remains in force until 31 December 2026.
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