Pelagic fish stocks in the North Atlantic are under pressure in 2026. Recruitment is low across most key species. Biomass is falling for several stocks. Fishing pressure remains too high in many cases. This is the main finding in Norway’s latest fisheries resource overview.
Low recruitment hits key pelagic species
Most pelagic stocks show weak or uncertain recruitment. This applies to mackerel, herring and capelin. Only blue whiting shows above-average recruitment.
Mackerel is under the most strain. Its spawning stock is now at a critical low level. This follows years of low recruitment and high fishing pressure.
Capelin in the Barents Sea also shows a negative trend. Recruitment has been very weak in recent years.
By contrast, Norwegian spring-spawning herring has strong year classes from 2021 and 2022. Its spawning biomass is expected to rise.
Climate and plankton reduce food supply
Warmer seas and lower plankton levels are key drivers. Sea temperatures are above normal across the Norwegian Sea and Barents Sea. Plankton biomass is below average in large areas.
This reduces food for pelagic fish. Large zooplankton, a key food source, is declining. Smaller plankton are increasing.
Competition for food is rising. Herring can outcompete capelin. This limits growth and survival in weaker stocks.
Fishing pressure still too high
Fishing pressure is above sustainable levels for about half of the pelagic stocks. None of the main pelagic stocks meets all key sustainability criteria.
At the same time, the total biomass of commercial fish stocks has fallen. Pelagic fish show a clear decline compared with earlier years.
The report warns that fishing pressure must be reduced to secure long-term yields.