Some of the Nordic region’s most important fish stocks have fallen below key biological limits, raising fresh concerns over the future of major fisheries and food security.
A new report, Nordic Aquatic Food Systems, warns that several key pelagic fish stocks are under biological pressure. The report points to weak international management and ongoing disputes over shared fish stocks as major risks.
The findings come despite the Nordic countries remaining among the world’s largest seafood producers.
Mackerel and Herring Raise Alarm
The report highlights mackerel and Norwegian spring-spawning herring as particular concerns. According to the authors, spawning stock levels for both species are now below thresholds considered necessary for long-term sustainable use.
The report says stronger international cooperation is urgently needed to manage shared fish stocks more effectively. It calls for more stable agreements between coastal states and better coordination across national borders.
Norway Still Lands Vast Volumes
Pelagic fishing remained a cornerstone of Norway’s seafood sector in 2023. Norwegian vessels landed 356,182 tonnes of Norwegian spring-spawning herring and 198,832 tonnes of mackerel. Together, pelagic fisheries generated an estimated value of about €697 million.
Although pelagic catches have declined since 2021, strong fish prices have helped maintain the sector’s value.
Food Security at Stake
The report stresses that pelagic fish play a vital role in Nordic food systems and regional economies. The authors argue that failure to improve management could put future harvests at risk. They warn that safeguarding these stocks for future generations will require stronger international agreements and more predictable management of shared marine resources.
The findings add fresh pressure to long-running disputes between coastal states over quota sharing and access to valuable pelagic fisheries in the North Atlantic.