Scientists have advised a higher catch limit for North Sea herring in 2027, with a recommended total allowable catch of up to 396,680 tonnes. This is a 21% increase compared with the agreed quota for 2026.
The advice comes from ICES and follows the current management plan agreed between the EU, the UK and Norway.
Stock above key threshold
ICES says the stock is being harvested sustainably and is now above the precautionary spawning biomass level of 1.0 million tonnes.
According to resource researcher Gjert Dingsør, the higher quota advice reflects an upward revision of the stock. This is based on improved survey results, including acoustic monitoring.
Fishing pressure in the advice is set at F = 0.23 under the agreed management framework.
Baltic herring still a concern
ICES again highlights that western Baltic herring remains below critical levels and carries a zero-catch recommendation.
This stock is taken as bycatch in parts of the North Sea herring fishery, mainly in Norwegian waters. Estimated catches fell to 1,250 tonnes in 2025, which may reflect improved sampling and monitoring.
Sharp cut advised for sprat
In contrast, ICES advises a substantial reduction in sprat catches in the Skagerrak, Kattegat and North Sea.
The recommended catch for the period from 1 July 2026 to 30 June 2027 is 82,822 tonnes. This is a 65% drop compared with the previous advice.
The change follows a major revision of stock assessment methods and data in 2025. Norway’s expected quota is around 6,750 tonnes, reflecting a smaller share of the stock.