The UK, Norway and the Faroe Islands have agreed quotas for North-East Atlantic mackerel.
The arrangements allow access for Norway and the Faroes to fish some of their quota in UK waters in return for an annual transfer of some of their quota to the UK.
During meetings held in Copenhagen, Oslo and London during April and May, all three reiterated their determination to cooperate in reducing pressure on the stock.
They agreed that the total allowable catch for mackerel in the North-East Atlantic for 2024 would be 739,836 tonnes.
This total will be split as follows:
- Faroe Islands – 13.35% (98,708 tonnes)
- Norway – 31% (229,210 tonnes)
- UK – 27.48% (203,211 tonnes)
Unless a sharing agreement is reached, Norway and the Faroes will use the same percentages for 2025 and 2026 whilst the UK will up its slightly to 27.83%.
Unused quantities up to 10% can be transferred between the three and each party can also fish up to 10% over their quota.
Transfer of catch
Norway has agreed to transfer 23,660 tonnes of its quota to the UK in return for access to the UK’s exclusive economic zone to fish 123,330 tonnes.
The figures for the Faroe Islands are 9,982 tonnes and 31,054 tonnes respectively.
These same figures will apply in 2025 and 2026.
