Marine scientists describe the cod situation in the Barents Sea as serious, and now advise further reductions in quotas. The Institute of Marine Research has issued new recommendations for cod and haddock.
“A reduction of 269,000 tonnes, or 21 percent compared to the agreed quota, is not surprising in light of last year’s recommendations, but it is certainly dramatic for the fishing industry and the cod stock,” says Audun Maråk of Fiskebåt.
The stock assessments behind the advice were conducted by the Norwegian-Russian Working Group on Arctic Fisheries (JRN-AFWG), following ICES methodology.
“Fiskebåt will thoroughly review the scientists’ quota advice. Fishermen have reported that the cod stock is recovering, but this has not been reflected in ICES data. In light of such a dramatic recommendation, Fiskebåt’s approach is to base quota decisions on the scientific advice,” says Maråk.
“The quota advice shows that nature and environmental conditions largely determine how much can be harvested from the sea. Regulatory measures help, but nature ultimately governs,” Maråk adds.
Northeast Arctic Cod
JRN-AFWG estimates the spawning stock at 330,000 tonnes in 2025, the lowest since 2000, and about 120,000 tonnes lower than last year’s prediction.
The spawning stock peaked in 2013 at 2.2 million tonnes, but has since declined. The main reason for the decline is weak recruitment, especially from the 2019 and 2020 year classes. Fishing pressure has also been slightly too high in recent years.
According to the management rule, JRN-AFWG recommends a maximum harvest of 269,440 tonnes in 2025. This is 21% lower than the agreed quota and 14% lower than the previous recommendation. The spawning stock is estimated to be below the action threshold of 460,000 tonnes, and researchers stress the seriousness of the situation.
Northeast Arctic Haddock
JRN-AFWG recommends a quota of up to 153,293 tonnes in 2026. This is 18% higher than the agreed quota and 43% higher than the 2025 recommendation. The increase is due to better recruitment, and scientists predict the stock will continue to grow toward 2027 The stock is in good condition, though fishing pressure remains slightly high.
Fiskebåt will now carefully review the basis for these recommendations.