On Friday 19 December, the European Union and Norway concluded negotiations on the management of shared stocks in the Skagerrak and Kattegat, exchanges of fish quotas and reciprocal access to waters.
“A balanced exchange of fishing opportunities with high economic value has been achieved”, commented the European Commission.
Among the various stocks, the EU will receive 9,196 tonnes of Arctic cod for 2026 and will transfer 47,905 tonnes of blue whiting to Norway. These agreements guarantee essential fishing opportunities for 2026, as well as predictability and access for European fleets operating in Norwegian waters, including the North Sea and the Skagerrak.
The EU and Norway have also reconfirmed stable reciprocal access to the waters of the North Sea, enabling European and Norwegian fishers to maintain essential fishing activities. The agreement also guarantees continued access to stocks for Swedish fishermen in Norwegian North Sea waters.
The EU and Norway have defined catch limits for cod, haddock, plaice and whiting in the Skagerrak. The two parties have also decided to maintain restrictions on herring catches in the Skagerrak in order to preserve the recovery of the Western Baltic herring stock, which mixes with the North Sea herring stock. Future measures to protect specific areas will also help to support the recovery of these populations.
The EU and Norway have also begun discussions on revising and improving control, monitoring and surveillance arrangements, with the aim of strengthening cooperation.
The catch limits and quotas agreed between the EU and Norway will be incorporated into the regulation on fishing opportunities for 2026 (see EUROPE 13773/14).
Details: https://aeur.eu/f/k3s (Original version in French by Lionel Changeur)