North Sea fishermen must accept losses by 2026 - EU slashes North Sea fish quotas by up to 44% in 2026 crackdown
North Sea fishermen will face stricter catch limits in 2026 after EU ministers agreed to deep cuts for several key species. The reductions follow ongoing declines in fish stocks and previous quota cuts in 2024. Officials have described the outcome as a tough but necessary step.
The latest agreement slashes herring quotas by nearly 30 percent, dropping the allowed catch to just over 25,000 tons. This comes after a 27 percent reduction in 2024, leaving fishermen with far less than previous years. Cod fishing will also shrink by 44 percent, limiting German vessels to just 973 tons.
The new rules will take effect in 2026, forcing fishermen to adapt to much lower quotas. Seasonal bans and reduced catches aim to stabilise fish populations over time. The changes reflect growing concerns about the long-term health of the North Sea’s marine life.
