Commission concerned about mackerel arrangement between the UK, Norway, Iceland and the Faroe Islands

The European Commission is deeply concerned about the recent arrangement on mackerel fishing quotas reached by the United Kingdom, Norway, Iceland, and the Faroe Islands on 15 December 2025. This arrangement was signed without prior consultation with the European Union.

This arrangement poses serious risks for the sustainability of the mackerel stock and undermines the legitimate interests of the European Union's fishing industry.

The mackerel stock in the North-East Atlantic is already in an unsustainable state due to longstanding overfishing. The International Council for the Exploration of the Sea (ICES) has issued scientific advice, recommending a total allowable catch (TAC) of no more than 174,357 tonnes for 2026. However, the 4-party arrangement sets a TAC of 299,010 tonnes, which is 72% higher than the recommended level. This excessive exploitation exacerbates the problem of overfishing and threatens the long-term sustainability of the stock.

Furthermore, since Russia's annual catch in past years exceeded 100,000 tonnes, with this arrangement the overall fishing pressure on the stock in 2026 is expected to surpass 400,000 tonnes, far above the recommended level. This level of fishing pressure poses a significant risk of irreversible damage to the mackerel population and jeopardises the livelihoods of those who depend on it.

The European Union has set a provisional TAC in line with the best available scientific advice, as required by applicable law and in line with/including the EU-UK Trade and Cooperation Agreement (TCA). The four-party arrangement undermines the EU's efforts to ensure a sustainable management of this shared stock.

The Commission will seek further clarification from the four parties involved and will assess the compliance of this arrangement with international law, including with the TCA. We urge all parties to reconsider their decision and work towards a more sustainable management of the North-East Atlantic mackerel stock, in line with the best available scientific advice.

The Commission remains committed to ensuring the long-term sustainability of fish stocks and the livelihoods of those who depend on them.

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