Coastal states agree 2027 Northeast Atlantic mackerel catch of 352,938 tonnes, up about 54,000

The Northeast Atlantic's biggest pelagic stock is showing some recovery. Norway's Ministry of Trade, Industry and Fisheries says the coastal states, Norway, the EU, the Faroe Islands, Greenland, Iceland and the United Kingdom, agreed on a 2027 total allowable catch of 352,938 tonnes for mackerel. That follows ICES scientific advice and is just under 54,000 tonnes more than the 2026 figure. The parties met in London Oct. 20–22.

According to the ministry, the improvement comes from a sharp cut in catches in 2026 and stronger recruitment than expected. Fisheries and Oceans Minister Marianne Sivertsen Næss called it reason for cautious optimism. She added that the stock is still in a serious situation and needs close monitoring.

The parties have not settled the long-running dispute over how the quota is divided. Talks on sharing will continue, and Norway says its main goal is still a comprehensive agreement that includes every coastal state.

This is a The Gillnet news desk summary, not a reprint.

Source: Government of Norway, Ministry of Trade, Industry and Fisheries — Kyststatene enige om makrellkvote for 2027 (Oct. 22, 2026, in Norwegian).