The Barents Sea cod quota will be cut by 16% in 2026 as part of a new fisheries deal between Norway and Russia.
Following a meeting of the Norwegian–Russian Joint Fisheries Committee, the total allowable catch (TAC) for northeast Atlantic cod was set at 285,000 tonnes for 2026, a 16% reduction on this year’s quota. While the reduction is significant, it is smaller than the 21% cut recommended by the Norwegian Institute of Marine Research (IMR).
The agreed quota is the lowest since 1991, reflecting years of declining stock levels. However, Norwegian authorities said the repeated reductions are have helped lay the groundwork for stock recovery that will allow higher quotas in the future.
In contrast, the committee agreed to raise the Barents Sea haddock quota to 153,293 tonnes, an increase of 18% compared with this year. The decision follows IMR’s scientific advice and reflects improved stock conditions and strong recruitment in the haddock fishery.
Marianne Sivertsen Næss, Norwegian Minister of Fisheries and Oceans, described the negotiations as “challenging”, noting the sanctions on two Russian shipping companies, but added: “The agreement is particularly important at a time when we have seen a significant reduction in the cod quota over several years,” she said. “We have now set a cod quota for 2026 at a level that contributes to rebuilding the stock.”
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