Norway and Russia Agree to 16% Cod Quota Reduction for Barents Sea in 2026 Fisheries Deal

Historic Fisheries Agreement Reached Amidst Tensions

Norway and Russia have successfully concluded their annual fisheries negotiations, reaching an agreement for 2026 that includes a significant reduction in the cod quota for the Barents Sea. The deal, finalized following online consultations of the Norwegian-Russian Joint Fisheries Committee (JNRFC) around December 15-19, 2025, sets the total allowable catch for Northeast Arctic cod at 285,000 tonnes, marking a 16 percent reduction compared to the 2025 quota. This represents the lowest cod quota since 1991.

Norway's Minister of Fisheries and Ocean Policy, Marianne Sivertsen Næss, emphasized the agreement's importance for sustainable management, stating that the new quota level 'contributes to rebuilding the stock.'

Cod Quota Sees Significant Reduction

The decision to reduce the cod quota by 16 percent reflects ongoing efforts to ensure the long-term health of the vital Northeast Arctic cod stock in the Barents Sea. The total quota of 285,000 tonnes will be shared between the two nations and third countries, with Norway's allocation set at 139,827 tonnes and Russia's at 145,173 tonnes. This reduction, while substantial, is a compromise, as scientific advice from the Norwegian Institute of Marine Research (IMR) had recommended a 21 percent cut.

Conservation groups have voiced concerns that the agreed reduction may not be sufficient to adequately protect the stock, advocating for catch limits to align more closely with scientific recommendations.

Mixed Fortunes for Other Species

While cod faces stricter limits, other species in the Barents Sea will see varied quota adjustments for 2026:

• Haddock: The total quota for haddock will see an 18 percent increase, rising to 153,293 tonnes. Norway's share will be 76,345 tonnes, and Russia's 76,948 tonnes. This increase aligns with scientific advice, reflecting healthier stock conditions.
• Greenland Halibut: The quota for Greenland halibut will remain unchanged at 19,000 tonnes, with Norway allocated 9,675 tonnes.
• Redfish: A modest 3 percent increase has been set for redfish, bringing the total quota to 69,177 tonnes. Norway's share is 47,807 tonnes.
• Capelin: For the second consecutive year, there will be no opening for a capelin fishery in 2026 due to insufficient biomass.

Navigating Geopolitical Tensions

The negotiations for the 2026 agreement were described as 'challenging' by Minister Sivertsen Næss, largely influenced by Norway's sanctions against two major Russian fishing companies, Norebo and Murman Seafood. These sanctions prohibit their vessels from operating in Norwegian waters or landing catches at Norwegian ports. Russia had previously urged Norway to lift these sanctions, even warning of potential retaliatory measures.

Despite these political complexities, both nations underscored the critical importance of maintaining their long-standing cooperation on fisheries management in the Barents Sea, a collaboration that dates back to the 1970s and is institutionalized through the JNRFC. The agreement also includes a joint Norwegian-Russian research program for 2027, highlighting a continued commitment to scientific collaboration.