An agreement between the European Union and the United Kingdom for 2026 fishing opportunities for 2026 extends to more than 95 TACs in the North-East Atlantic.
This is the sixth round of annual EU-UK consultations agreed under the EU-UK Trade and Cooperation Agreement (TCA) and this agreement provides access for EU fleets to up to 288,000 tonnes, worth over €1.2 billion. The particular significance of this is that it covers the bulk of the EU’s shared resources with third countries in the North-East Atlantic.
‘Today’s agreement marks a significant step forward in the sustainable management of our shared marine resources with the UK,’ said Commissioner for Fisheries and Oceans Costas Kadis.
‘By securing fishing rights that benefit our fisher communities while agreeing on essential conservation measures, we contribute to the sustainability of our fisheries sector and protecting vulnerable stocks, also for our future generations. With a value of €1.2 billion, this deal provides much-needed stability and predictability for our fleets and fishers.’
Negotiations were based on the best available scientific data regarding fish stock conditions, and both parties addressed socio-economic factors to prevent choke situations that could result in the early closure of certain fisheries.
In May 2025, the EU and the UK agreed to grant full reciprocal access to waters until 2038. This has allowed negotiations to concentrate on the setting of total allowable catches (TACs) for 2026 and on addressing technical measures. The agreement also enables mutual access for albacore tuna until 2030.
Scientific assessments for 2026 revealed that several key fish stocks in the Celtic Sea, Irish Sea and Channel – cod, haddock, whiting, sole, and plaice – have declined below critical biological thresholds, jeopardising their capacity to replenish. This leads to reductions in allowable catches and associated revenue for the fishing industry.
To promote the swift recovery of these fish populations, the EU and UK have agreed on a set of remedial measures, including enhanced gear selectivity, larger mesh sizes, and mandatory selective devices in langoustine (Nephrops) fisheries.
Both parties have agreed to implement precautionary measures for certain stocks, including spurdog, skates and rays, and sea bass.
