553-tonne albacore quota 2026
UK confirms 553-tonne North Atlantic albacore quota for 2026
The UK has been allocated a 553-tonne quota of North Atlantic albacore for the 2026 fishing season, covering stock ALB/AN05N. The announcement on 2 March 2026 confirms nine licences authorised to land against the quota, a development of direct relevance to commercial longliners, charter operators and game anglers planning seasonal trips from ports such as Peterhead, Fraserburgh, Newlyn and Plymouth.
Implications for longliners and charters
With a defined national share, UK longliners can plan deployments into offshore grounds north of 5°N during peak months (June–September) when sea surface temperatures commonly range 16–22°C and albacore concentrate above the thermocline between 50–200m. Techniques include high-speed trolling, live-baiting and chunking; typical sport rigs use a robust rod-and-reel setup, 30–50 lb class rods, 50–80 lb braid and trolling lures in the 120–200g range run at 7–12 knots.
Seasonal targeting and planning
Charter operators should note the limited licence number and coordinate bookings around licence-holder activity. Anglers targeting albacore from UK bases are advised to confirm landing arrangements and port facilities ahead of trips, and to match tackle and bait to expected sea states and depths to maximise safety and success.
Recommended: large saltwater lures