The European Union and the UK have reached a wide-ranging agreement on fishing opportunities for 2026, setting limits for more than 95 total allowable catches (TACs) across the North-East Atlantic.
The deal secures access for EU fleets to fish up to 288,000 tonnes – valued at over €1.2 billion – and provides long-term stability for operators on both sides of the Channel.
“This agreement marks a significant step forward in the sustainable management of our shared marine resources with the UK,” commented Costas Kadis, Commissioner for Fisheries and Oceans.
“By securing fishing rights that benefit our fisher communities while agreeing on essential conservation measures, we contribute to the sustainability of our fisheries sector and protecting vulnerable stocks, also for our future generations.”
Negotiators relied on the latest scientific assessments to determine sustainable catch levels and addressed socio-economic considerations, particularly the need to prevent choke situations that can prematurely shut down vital fisheries.
The talks were streamlined by the 2025 accord granting full reciprocal access to EU and UK waters until 2038, enabling both sides to focus on limit setting and conservation measures for the year ahead. The agreement also guarantees continued reciprocal access for albacore tuna fisheries until 2030.
Scientific advice for 2026 highlighted that key stocks in the Celtic Sea, Irish Sea and Channel such as cod, haddock, whiting, sole and plaice have dipped below safe biological limits. In response, the two sides have endorsed a suite of remedial measures aimed at accelerating stock recovery.
These include improved gear selectivity, increased mesh sizes and mandatory selective devices in Nephrops fisheries. Precautionary measures will also be applied to several other vulnerable stocks, such as spurdog, skates and rays, and seabass.
The catch limits will be incorporated into the EU’s 2026 fishing opportunities regulation, due for adoption at the December ministerial meeting. In-year consultations will follow next year for sandeel, sprat and Norway pout as new scientific advice becomes available.
