The agreement is crucial to ensure sustainable management of fish stocks in the Barents Sea.

“The agreement is particularly important at a time when we have seen a significant reduction in the cod quota over several years. We have now set a cod quota for 2026 at a level that contributes to rebuilding the stock,” said Minister of Fisheries and Oceans Marianne Sivertsen Næss.

“This year’s negotiations have been challenging. The listing of two Russian fishing companies has influenced the talks, but I am pleased that despite this we have reached an agreement that will contribute to sustainable management of the important fisheries resources in the north,” she added.

Key Elements of the 2026 Agreement

The total quota for Northeast Arctic cod in 2026 is set at 285,000 tonnes, a reduction of 16% compared to this year’s quota. This quota level will significantly reduce fishing pressure from 2025 to 2026. The cod quota is distributed between Norway, Russia, and third countries according to the same principles as in previous years. Norway’s share of the quota for 2026 will be 139,827 tonnes.

“The cod quota for next year is the lowest since 1991. But after several years of substantial quota cuts, it now appears that we have laid the foundation for an increase in the stock that will allow somewhat higher quotas further on,” said the Minister.

The haddock quota shows a solid increase from this year’s level. The total quota for haddock is set at 153,293 tonnes for 2026, an increase of 18% compared to the current year. Norway’s share will be 76,345 tonnes.

The Greenland halibut quota for 2026 is set at 19,000 tonnes, the same as this year. Norway’s share will be 9,675 tonnes.

The quota for beaked redfish is set at 69,177 tonnes for 2026, a small increase of 3% compared to this year. Norway’s share will be 47,807 tonnes.

As in 2025, there will be no capelin fishery in 2026.

Research Cooperation

Quota advice for 2026 for jointly managed fish stocks has been prepared by a bilateral working group between the Institute of Marine Research (IMR) and the Russian research institute VNIRO. The group followed internationally recognized methodology and frameworks for stock assessment and advice.

The parties also agreed on a joint Norwegian-Russian research program for 2026.