The 2026 sandeel season has started, with fishing activity concentrated in Area 1 and early landings remaining low.
The season opened on 1 April. By week 16, total Danish landings reached 567 tonnes. No sandeel landings were reported in Norway in the same period.
Quota centred on Area 1
The largest share of the quota is allocated to Area 1r at 88,993 tonnes. Other areas have far smaller quotas. Area 2r has 4,662 tonnes, while several areas remain closed with zero allocation.
A small quota of 104 tonnes is set for Area 6.
Lower quota after weak recruitment
The total Danish sandeel quota is set at 93,759 tonnes. This is down 8.64% compared to the previous year.
The reduction follows scientific advice. A survey by DTU Aqua in late 2024 showed low recruitment of young fish.
Early catches remain limited
Landings so far are modest. Only Denmark has reported catches, with all recorded volumes landed domestically.
According to the data, Denmark accounts for 100% of the European sandeel landings at this stage of the season.
Charts in the source material (pages 3–4) show that early-season catches in 2026 are significantly lower than in previous years.
Source