UK secures £840m in fishing opportunities for 2026
UK secures fishing opportunities and conservation measures for 2026
The UK government has confirmed agreements with the EU, Norway and other coastal states that secure access to more than 520,000 tonnes of shared fish stocks for 2026, representing an estimated £830–£840 million in value. Additional multilateral consultations bring the total secured opportunities to about £840m, including a substantial increase in the UK bluefin tuna quota.
Agreements and key figures
Under a bilateral deal with the EU the UK gained approximately 150,000 tonnes of quota, valued at roughly £430 million using recent landing prices. A trilateral agreement with the EU and Norway secured about 290,000 tonnes for the North Sea and adjacent waters, worth up to £380 million. Negotiations with other coastal states agreed TACs for blue whiting and Norwegian spring‑spawning herring, contributing further value for UK fleets.
Bluefin and other international outcomes
At ICCAT the UK secured an increase in annual bluefin tuna quota from around 63 tonnes to 230.65 tonnes for 2026–2028, supporting both commercial and recreational fisheries. In the Northwest Atlantic (NAFO) and NEAFC forums the UK also obtained modest opportunities and new monitoring and surveillance commitments.
Conservation measures and scientific basis
Negotiations took place against concerning scientific advice from ICES showing pressure on stocks such as cod, whiting, haddock, sole and plaice. The agreements include technical measures — for example larger mesh sizes and improved selectivity in vulnerable areas — intended to reduce overfishing and support stock recovery.
Implementation and next steps
Defra says it will work with devolved administrations, industry and environmental groups to implement measures in 2026. Annual Secretary of State determinations will publish final TACs and distribution, and further talks on mackerel and other stocks remain ongoing.