(1)

The Council is to adopt measures on the fixing and allocation of fishing opportunities, including certain conditions functionally linked to those fishing opportunities, as appropriate. In accordance with Article 16(4) of Regulation (EU) No 1380/2013 of the European Parliament and of the Council (1), fishing opportunities are to be fixed in accordance with the objectives and rules of the common fisheries policy (CFP), as set out in Article 2(2) of that Regulation. Fishing opportunities are also to be fixed in accordance with requirements of Regulations (EU) 2018/973 (2) and (EU) 2019/472 (3) of the European Parliament and of the Council establishing multiannual plans (MAPs) for certain stocks fished in the North Sea and the Western Waters, and for fisheries exploiting those stocks. Pursuant to Article 16(1) of Regulation (EU) No 1380/2013, fishing opportunities allocated among the Member States are to ensure the relative stability of fishing activities of each Member State for each fish stock or fishery.

(2)

The total allowable catches (TACs) should be established, in accordance with Article 3 of Regulation (EU) No 1380/2013, in accordance the best available scientific advice, based on a long-term perspective, taking into account regional specificities, and in the light of opinions expressed during the consultation of stakeholders.

(3)

Pursuant to Article 15 of Regulation (EU) No 1380/2013, all stocks for which there are catch limits have been subject to the landing obligation since 1 January 2019, although certain exemptions apply. On the basis of joint recommendations by the Member States and in accordance with Article 15(3) of Regulation (EU) No 1380/2013, the Commission adopted Delegated Regulations (EU) 2023/2459 (4) and (EU) 2023/2623 (5) laying down details for the implementation of the landing obligation for certain fisheries.

(4)

Fishing opportunities for stocks covered by the landing obligation should take account of the fact that discarding is in principle no longer allowed. Therefore, fishing opportunities should be based on the scientific advice figure for total catches as provided by the International Council for the Exploration of the Sea (ICES), where available. The quantities that, by way of exemption from the landing obligation, may continue to be discarded should be deducted from the advice figure for total catches. Moreover, fishing opportunities for stocks for which ICES provides only landings advice should be set on the basis of that advice.

(5)

The MAPs established by Regulations (EU) 2018/973 and (EU) 2019/472 set out targets and measures for the long-term management of the stocks covered by those MAPs. Fishing opportunities for the stocks listed in Article 1(1) of Regulation (EU) 2018/973 and in Article 1(1) of Regulation (EU) 2019/472 (‘target stocks’) should be fixed in accordance with the range of fishing mortality values resulting in maximum sustainable yield (MSY) (‘ranges of FMSY’), or should be fixed at a lower level, and, where relevant, in accordance with the biomass safeguards provided for in those Regulations. The ranges of FMSY are set out in the relevant ICES advice. Fishing opportunities for target stocks for which ranges of FMSY cannot be determined, as well as for stocks referred to in Article 1(4) of Regulation (EU) 2018/973 and in Article 1(4) of Regulation (EU) 2019/472 (‘by-catch stocks’), should be fixed in accordance with the objectives set out in Article 2(2) of Regulation (EU) No 1380/2013 or, where no adequate scientific information is available, in accordance with the precautionary approach to fisheries management, as defined in Article 4(1), point (8), of Regulation (EU) No 1380/2013.

(6)

Pursuant to Article 4(6) of Regulation (EU) 2018/973 and Article 4(7) of Regulation (EU) 2019/472, fishing opportunities for target stocks should be fixed to ensure that there is less than 5 % probability of the biomass falling below the limit biomass reference point (Blim) (6).

(7)

In accordance with Article 7 of Regulation (EU) 2018/973 and Article 8 of Regulation (EU) 2019/472, where scientific advice indicates that the spawning stock biomass of any of the target stocks is below MSY Btrigger (7), remedial measures are to be taken. In particular, the fishing opportunities should be fixed at a level corresponding to the fishing mortality that is reduced proportionally to take into account the decrease in the biomass. Where scientific advice indicates that the spawning stock biomass of any of the target stocks is below Blim, further remedial measures are to be taken to ensure the rapid return of the stock to levels above those capable of producing MSY. In particular, those remedial measures can include suspending the targeted fishery for the stock in question and the adequate reduction of fishing opportunities for those or other stocks in the fisheries.

(8)

There are certain stocks for which ICES advises zero catches or low catches, or ICES forecasts that a less than 5 % probability of the biomass falling below Blim could only be achieved with low catches; could only be achieved with zero catches; or could not even be achieved with zero catches. However, if TACs for those stocks were established at those levels, the obligation to land all catches, including by-catches from those stocks in mixed fisheries, may cause one or more fishing vessels to stop fishing even if they still have quota for other species, which in turn may lead to a premature closure of certain fisheries. Pursuant to Article 5(3) of Regulation (EU) 2018/973, Article 5(3) of Regulation (EU) 2019/472 and Article 16(4) of Regulation (EU) No 1380/2013, in conjunction with Article 2(1) and Article 2(5), points (c) and (f), of Regulation (EU) No 1380/2013 and in order to strike a balance between maintaining mixed fisheries, in view of the potentially severe socio-economic impacts of failing to do so, and the need to achieve a good biological status for those stocks, taking account of the difficulty of fishing all stocks in a mixed fishery at MSY, it is appropriate to establish specific TACs for by-catches for those stocks. Those by-catch TACs should be set at levels that avoid the risk of a premature closure of fisheries that still have quota for targeted species due to fishing vessels’ lack of quota for stocks caught as by-catch, where such a premature closure could have severe socio-economic impacts in the short-term. At the same time, the by-catch TACs should also ensure the conservation of the stocks concerned, where failing to conserve stocks could have severe long-term environmental and socio-economic impacts, as well as associated short-term socio-economic impacts. Those by-catch TACs should also be fixed at levels based on specific, reliable and verifiable evidence regarding potential premature closures, potential short-term socio-economic impacts as well as long-term environmental impacts. In order to reduce catches of the stocks for which by-catch TACs are set, fishing opportunities for the mixed fisheries in which fish from those stocks are by-caught should be set at levels that help the biomass of vulnerable stocks to recover to sustainable levels.

(9)

In order to guarantee, to the extent possible, the use of fishing opportunities in mixed fisheries in accordance with Article 16(2) of Regulation (EU) No 1380/2013, it is appropriate to establish a pool for quota exchanges for Member States. Such a pool for quota exchanges would make unused quotas for certain by-catches available to Member States to cover their unavoidable by-catches in certain areas in circumstances where those Member States would otherwise have no quota.

(10)

In accordance with Article 2(2) and Article 16(4) of Regulation (EU) No 1380/2013, for stocks that are not covered by Regulations (EU) 2018/973 and (EU) 2019/472, where adequate scientific information is available, fishing opportunities should be fixed in line with the FMSY point value (8) and, where relevant, at levels that restore stocks above levels capable of producing MSY. Where that scientific information is not available, fishing opportunities should be fixed in line with the precautionary approach to fisheries management.

(11)

For certain stocks, ICES advice remains valid for several years and that advice remains the best available scientific advice for the entire advice period. In those cases, annual TACs covering the entire advice period should in principle be set (‘multiannual TACs’). If new ICES advice becomes available during that period, it should be ensured that the multiannual TACs remain consistent with the new advice, as soon as possible after the publication of such new ICES advice. Moreover, it should be ensured that the annual deductions from the advice figure for total catches, to take account of exemptions from the landing obligation, remain consistent with the available data. However, for certain stocks, and in particular for stocks showing recent significant variations in biomass or fishing mortality, it may be appropriate to continue setting annual TACs.

(12)

In accordance with Article 4(3) of Regulation (EU) 2019/472, Spain and France should jointly ensure that, when determining their quotas for commercial fisheries for European seabass (Dicentrarchus labrax) in ICES divisions 8a and 8b, the sum of those quotas, commercial discards, recreational landings and recreational dead discards do not exceed the lowest value within the range of FMSY (‘MSY Flower’) for total removals for that area, i.e. 3 883 tonnes. In order to allow the Commission to monitor the correct application of the objectives and rules set out in Regulation (EU) No 1380/2013 and in Regulation (EU) 2019/472, Spain and France should submit information regarding their respective quotas in commercial fisheries for European seabass to the Commission.

(13)

Additional measures for recreational fisheries for European seabass in ICES divisions 8a and 8b should be maintained, in view of the significant impact of recreational fisheries on the fishing mortality for that stock.

(14)

There are certain stocks for which ICES advises catches above a low level. However, if TACs for those stocks were established at those levels, the obligation to land all catches, including by-catches from those stocks in mixed fisheries, may cause one or more fishing vessels to stop fishing even if they still have quota for other species, which in turn may lead to a premature closure of certain fisheries. Pursuant to Article 5(3) of Regulation (EU) 2018/973, Article 5(3) of Regulation (EU) 2019/472 and Article 16(4) of Regulation (EU) No 1380/2013, in conjunction with Article 2(1) and Article 2(5), points (c) and (f), of that Regulation and in order to strike a balance between maintaining mixed fisheries, in view of the potentially severe socio-economic impacts of failing to do so, and the need to achieve a good status for those stocks, taking account of the difficulty of fishing all stocks in a mixed fishery at MSY, it is appropriate to establish specific TACs for by-catches for those stocks. Those by-catch TACs should be set at levels that avoid the risk of a premature closure of fisheries due to fishing vessels’ lack of quota for stocks caught as by-catch, where such a premature closure could have severe socio-economic impacts in the short-term, while also at the same time ensuring the conservation of the stocks concerned, where failing to conserve stocks could have severe long-term environmental and socio-economic impacts, as well as associated short-term socio-economic impacts. Those by-catch TACs should also be fixed based on specific, reliable and verifiable evidence regarding potential premature closures, potential short-term socio-economic impacts as well as long-term environmental impacts. In order to reduce catches of the stocks for which by-catch TACs are set, fishing opportunities for the mixed fisheries in which fish from those stocks are by-caught should be set at levels that help the biomass of vulnerable stocks to recover to sustainable levels.

(15)

According to the relevant ICES advice, recreational catches of pollack (Pollachius pollachius) in ICES subarea 8 and division 9a are non-negligible. It is therefore appropriate to establish limits for recreational catches of pollack in that area and in adjacent areas, namely in ICES subareas 8, 9 and 10 and Union waters of Fishery Committee for the Eastern Central Atlantic (CECAF) area 34.1.1.

(16)

In May 2022, ICES noted that, despite Member States’ efforts for the recovery of European eel (Anguilla anguilla), no overall progress had been made in achieving the 40 % silver eel biomass escapement objective across the entire Union, as required by Article 2(4) of Council Regulation (EC) No 1100/2007 (9), and that no clear patterns for mortality were observed. In November 2025, ICES advised once again that, when the precautionary approach is applied, there should be zero catches of European eel in all habitats and at all life stages, throughout its natural range, which includes the north-east Atlantic and the Mediterranean. That concerns both recreational and commercial catches and includes catches of glass eels for restocking and aquaculture.

(17)

Council Regulation (EU) 2023/194 (10) extended to six months the closure period for any commercial eel fishing activity in Union marine and brackish waters of the north-east Atlantic. It also prohibited all recreational eel fisheries in those waters. It was considered that a six month closure period would better protect the stock than the Union and national measures that had been implemented until 2022. It was also considered that the extended closure period would further the achievement of the escapement objective of at least 40 % of silver eels. Council Regulations (EU) 2024/257 (11) and (EU) 2025/202 (12) maintained those measures while clarifying the criteria for setting the closure period and the possible derogation for continued limited eel fisheries during the eel migration period. Given the continued critical status of the European eel, it is appropriate to maintain those measures in 2026.

(18)

Pursuant to Regulation (EC) No 1100/2007, restocking of glass eel is a conservation measure chosen by certain Member States in their eel management plans. In order to enable those Member States to continue implementing that measure, glass eel catches in Union marine and brackish waters of the north-east Atlantic at the appropriate time of the year and possibly during their main migration period may be required. Therefore, Member States may allow further glass eel fishing exclusively for restocking for an additional 50 days during the main migration period of glass eel.

(19)

According to ICES, the biomass of sole (Solea solea) in ICES subdivisions 20 to 24 is estimated to be below Blim in 2026. In accordance with Article 7(2) of Regulation (EU) 2018/973, remedial measures should be established for that stock for 2026, to ensure its rapid return to the biomass level above that capable of producing the maximum sustainable yield. Such remedial measures should be established for the fisheries with substantial by-catches of sole, i.e. both for the mixed gillnet fisheries targeting plaice (Pleuronectes platessa) and for the mixed trawl fisheries targeting Norway lobster (Nephrops norvegicus). As by-catch of common sole is minimal in gillnet fisheries in subdivision 24 and in small-scale coastal fisheries in subdivision 22 south of a latitude 55°N, those areas should be exempted from such measures.

(20)

In its advice for certain stocks of elasmobranchs (namely skates, sharks and rays) for 2026, ICES recommends zero catches, due to the poor conservation status of elasmobranchs and given that even limited fishing activity could give rise to a serious conservation risk. Therefore, the fishing for such species should be prohibited. In addition, pursuant to Article 15(4), point (a), of Regulation (EU) No 1380/2013, the landing obligation does not apply to species for which fishing is prohibited. When accidentally caught, those species should not be harmed and should be promptly released. Discarding of such elasmobranchs is not considered to raise their fishing mortality significantly and supports the conservation of those stocks as they have high survival rates when discarded.

(21)

In order to maximise the use of fishing opportunities, it is appropriate to allow for the implementation of a flexible arrangement between certain TAC areas where the same biological stock is concerned.

(22)

Articles 3 and 4 of Council Regulation (EC) No 847/96 (13) provide for year-to-year flexibility for quotas for stocks subject to both precautionary TACs and analytical TACs. Pursuant to Article 2 of that Regulation, when fixing TACs, the Council is to decide to which stocks Articles 3 and 4 of that Regulation are not to apply, on the basis of the biological status of stocks and commitments reached with third countries. Moreover, Article 15(9) of Regulation (EU) No 1380/2013 provides for further year-to-year flexibility for all stocks that are subject to the landing obligation. In order to avoid excessive flexibility that would undermine the achievement of the objectives of the CFP, year-to-year flexibility for quotas pursuant to Articles 3 and 4 of Regulation (EC) No 847/96 and Article 15(9) of Regulation (EU) No 1380/2013 should not apply cumulatively. Year-to-year flexibility under Article 15(9) of Regulation (EU) No 1380/2013 should, where relevant, be excluded on the basis of the biological status of the stock and of commitments reached with third countries.

(23)

Where a stock is fished by one Member State only, it is appropriate to empower that Member State to fix a TAC for that stock, in accordance with Article 2(1) of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union (TFEU). Such empowerment is appropriate, provided that, when determining the TAC level, the Member State complies with the objectives and rules set out in Regulation (EU) No 1380/2013 and in Regulations (EU) 2018/973 and (EU) 2019/472. In order to allow the Commission to monitor the correct application of those objectives and rules, Member States should submit information regarding the TACs to the Commission. In addition, the Commission may request that the Scientific, Technical and Economic Committee for Fisheries (STECF) assess those TACs, and in the event that the STECF assesses those TACs as not being in compliance with the objectives and rules set out in Regulation (EU) No 1380/2013 and in Regulations (EU) 2018/973 and (EU) 2019/472, Member States should amend the TACs on the basis of the STECF advice.

(24)

It is necessary to establish the fishing effort limitations for sole in the Western Channel (ICES division 7e) in accordance with Article 12 of Regulation (EU) 2019/472.

(25)

It is necessary to establish the fishing effort ceilings for bluefin tuna (Thunnus thynnus) in part of the International Commission for the Conservation of Atlantic Tunas (ICCAT) Convention area, specifically in the Atlantic Ocean, east of 45°W, in accordance with Articles 6, 11, 13 and 16 of Regulation (EU) 2023/2053 of the European Parliament and of the Council (14).

(26)

The use of fishing opportunities available to Union fishing vessels set out in this Regulation is subject to Council Regulation (EC) No 1224/2009 (15), and in particular to Articles 33 and 34 of that Regulation, concerning the recording of catches and fishing effort, and the notification of data on the exhaustion of fishing opportunities. It is therefore necessary to specify the codes to be used by Member States when sending data to the Commission on catches and fishing effort for stocks subject to this Regulation.

(27)

At its 2025 annual meeting, the North-East Atlantic Fisheries Commission (NEAFC) did not adopt a recommendation setting the TAC for beaked redfish (Sebastes mentella) in international waters of ICES subareas 1 and 2 for 2026. Pending the possible adoption of a NEAFC recommendation for that stock, the TAC for beaked redfish in ICES subareas 1 and 2 should be provisionally set at zero.

(28)

At its 2025 annual meeting, NEAFC also did not adopt a recommendation for Greenland halibut (Reinhardtius hippoglossoides) in ICES subareas 1 and 2 for 2026. The Union quota for Greenland halibut in international waters of ICES subareas 1 and 2 for 2026 should therefore be set at 1 711 tonnes. That level corresponds to 9,25 % of the level recommended by ICES advice in its advice for 2023 (18 494 tonnes), which constitutes the best available scientific advice for that stock.

(29)

Mackerel (Scomber scombrus), blue whiting (Micromesistius poutassou) and Atlanto-Scandian herring (Clupea harengus) in the North-East Atlantic are subject to coastal States consultations on the fisheries management for those stocks, and are stocks that are also managed by NEAFC. The Union participates in coastal States consultations for 2026 on the basis of the positions endorsed by the Council on 13 October 2025. Regarding Atlanto-Scandian herring and blue whiting, the outcome of the consultations was documented in agreed records signed on 21 and 23 October 2025 respectively. At its annual meeting in 2025, NEAFC adopted a recommendation on conservation and management measures for 2026 for Atlanto-Scandian herring but not for blue whiting. It is therefore appropriate to set the TAC for Atlanto-Scandian herring based on the relevant NEAFC recommendation and the TAC for blue whiting in the north-east Atlantic for 2026 at the level of fishing opportunities agreed in the relevant coastal States Agreed Record. Regarding mackerel, the coastal States consultations are still ongoing and, at its annual meeting for 2025, NEAFC did not adopt any recommendation. It is therefore appropriate to set a provisional TAC for mackerel for the first half of 2026. Given the seasonality of the mackerel fishery, it is appropriate to set the provisional TAC at 156 921 tonnes, which corresponds to 90 % of the TAC advised by ICES.

(30)

Blue whiting (Micromesistius poutassou) in the north-east Atlantic is subject to coastal States consultations on the fisheries management for that stock and is a stock that is also managed by NEAFC. The Union participated in coastal States consultations on the basis of the position endorsed by the Council on 7 October 2025. The outcome of the coastal States consultations on blue whiting was documented in an agreed record signed on 23 October 2025. At its annual meeting in 2025, NEAFC did not adopt a recommendation on conservation and management measures for blue whiting for 2026. The level of the TAC for blue whiting for 2026 should therefore be set at the level set out in that agreed record of 23 October 2025.

(31)

At its 2025 annual meeting, the International Commission for the Conservation of Atlantic Tunas (ICCAT) maintained existing measures for certain stocks in the ICCAT Convention area for 2026. In addition, ICCAT increased the TAC level for bluefin tuna in the eastern Atlantic and decreased the retention allowance for shortfin mako (Isurus oxyrinchus) in the southern Atlantic for 2026 compared to 2025. Those measures should be implemented in Union law.

(32)

The Union quotas for stocks in the ICCAT Convention area for 2026 were adjusted during the 2025 ICCAT annual meeting, in accordance with several ICCAT recommendations under which the Union may, upon request, carry over a set percentage of its unused quota of fishing opportunities from either 2024 to 2026 or from 2025 to 2026. Pending such possible adjustments to Union quotas, quotas for individual Member States should be established on the basis of the total Union quota for 2026 as agreed by the ICCAT before any such adjustments.

(33)

At its 2025 annual meeting, the Commission for the Conservation of Antarctic Marine Living Resources (CCAMLR) adopted catch limits for stocks in the CCAMLR Convention area for the period from 1 December 2025 to 30 November 2026. Those measures should be implemented in Union law.

(34)

At its 2025 annual meeting, the Indian Ocean Tuna Commission (IOTC) established the following measures in its Area of Competence for 2026: it maintained the existing measures adopted for yellowfin tuna (Thunnus albacares), it reviewed the catch limits for bigeye tuna (Thunnus obesus), and it adopted catch limits for skipjack tuna (Katsuwonus pelamis) for the first time. Those measures should be implemented in Union law. The Union quota for skipjack tuna in the IOTC Area of Competence for 2026 should be allocated to the Member States concerned based on the average relative level of fishing activities of those Member States during two reference periods: the best five years of each Member State in the period from 2015 to 2024, and the period from 2022 to 2024.

(35)

The annual meeting of the South Pacific Regional Fisheries Management Organisation (SPRFMO) is scheduled for 2 to 6 March 2026. Consequently, existing measures in the SPRFMO Convention area that are functionally linked to the TACs should be temporarily maintained until the annual meeting takes place and the 2026 TACs are established.

(36)

At its 2025 annual meeting, the Inter-American Tropical Tuna Commission (IATTC) changed some of the existing measures applicable in the IATTC Convention area while maintaining the existing number of drifting fish aggregating devices (FADs) for 2026. Those measures should be implemented in Union law.

(37)

At its 2023 annual meeting, the Commission for the Conservation of Southern Bluefin Tuna (CCSBT) adopted the TAC for Southern bluefin tuna (Thunnus maccoyii) for a three-year period from 2024 to 2026. That measure should be implemented in Union law for 2026.

(38)

At its 2025 annual meeting, the South East Atlantic Fisheries Organisation (SEAFO) maintained for 2026 the existing TACs in the SEAFO Convention area. Those measures should be implemented in Union law.

(39)

At its 2025 annual meeting, the Western and Central Pacific Fisheries Commission (WCPFC) maintained for 2026 the measures adopted for 2025. In addition, the WCPFC adopted a by-catch limit for Pacific bluefin tuna (Thunnus orientalis) for the WCPFC Convention area. Those measures should be implemented in Union law.

(40)

At its 47th annual meeting in 2025, the Northwest Atlantic Fisheries Organisation (NAFO) adopted fishing opportunities for certain stocks in the NAFO Convention area for 2026. It also maintained for 2026 the existing measures that are functionally linked to the fishing opportunities of shortfin squid (Illex illecebrosus) in NAFO subareas 3 and 4 and yellowtail flounder (Limanda ferruginea) in NAFO divisions 3LNO, aimed at minimising the levels of by-catches of non-target species and without which the fishing opportunities for those stocks would have to be reduced to protect the non-target species. Those measures should be implemented in Union law.

(41)

At its 2025 annual meeting, the Southern Indian Ocean Fisheries Agreement (SIOFA) revised the existing measures for deep-water sharks, including the existing closure of fishing areas and the list of shark species for which directed fishing in the SIOFA Agreement Area is prohibited. In addition, SIOFA adopted a new measure for benthic fisheries, which includes closing certain areas for all bottom fishing activities and in certain areas only allowing bottom longline fishing. Those measures should be implemented in Union law.

(42)

Under Article 498(2) of the Trade and Cooperation Agreement between the European Union and the European Atomic Energy Community, of the one part, and the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland, of the other part (16) (the ‘Trade and Cooperation Agreement’), the Union and the United Kingdom are to hold annual consultations to agree, by 10 December of each year, the TACs for the following year for the stocks listed in Annex 35 to that Agreement.

(43)

In 2025, the Union and the United Kingdom held bilateral consultations on the setting of a large number of TACs for 2026 for stocks listed in Annex 35 to the Trade and Cooperation Agreement. Those consultations were conducted pursuant to Article 498(2), (4) and (6) of the Trade and Cooperation Agreement, and the Union participated in those consultations on the basis of the Union position endorsed by the Council on 21 October 2025, and in accordance with Commission services’ non-papers endorsed by the Council on 21, 23 and 31 October and 11 and 25 November 2025. The outcome of the consultations was documented in a written record signed by the Heads of Delegation on 10 December 2025. The relevant fishing opportunities should therefore be fixed at the levels set out in that written record, and the other measures functionally linked to the fishing opportunities also set out in that written record should be implemented in Union law.

(44)

The Union and the United Kingdom agreed on a reciprocal access from 1 January 2026 until 31 December 2030, to target 560 tonnes of northern albacore (Thunnus alalunga) in the exclusive economic zones of the Member States and the United Kingdom. That agreement excludes access to areas referred to in Article 5(3) of Regulation (EU) No 1380/2013.

(45)

The Union and the United Kingdom agreed on remedial measures for cod (Gadus morhua), haddock (Melanogrammus aeglefinus), whiting (Merlangius merlangus), sole and plaice across the Celtic Sea, Irish Sea and Channel. Such measures are functionally linked to the TAC for the stocks concerned, as without such measures, the TAC levels would not ensure sufficient stock recovery. To ensure a level playing field for Union operators vis-à-vis United Kingdom operators, those measures should apply from 1 June 2026.

(46)

According to the relevant ICES advice for 2026, recreational catches of pollack in ICES subareas 6 and 7 comprise a significant share of total catches. It is therefore appropriate to establish limits for recreational catches of pollack in those areas.

(47)

Seasonal closures for sandeel fisheries with certain towed gear in ICES divisions 2a, 3a and ICES subarea 4 should continue to allow for the protection of spawning grounds and limitation of juvenile catches.

(48)

In 2025, the Union, the United Kingdom and Norway held trilateral consultations on six shared and jointly managed stocks occurring within the areas under their respective jurisdiction. Those consultations were conducted between 27 October and 4 December 2025, on the basis of the Union position endorsed by the Council on 21 October 2025, and in accordance with the Commission services’ non-papers endorsed by the Council on the 23 and 27 October 2025. The outcome of the consultations was documented in an agreed record, signed by the Heads of Delegation on 5 December 2025. The relevant fishing opportunities should be set at the level agreed with the United Kingdom and Norway, together with the other provisions of the agreed record.

(49)

Existing accompanying measures for the Northern Shelf cod should be maintained. In addition, remedial measures should be introduced in order to reduce fishing mortality, and increase the protection of juvenile cod. Those include two new closures for cod in Union waters of ICES division 4b, two extended closures in Union waters of division 3a and 2, updates to the Real Time Closure (RTC) regimes from 1 January to 31 March 2026 in Eastern Channel (ICES division 7d), Southern North Sea (ICES division 4c) and central North Sea (ICES division 4b and 3), and restrictions on targeting cod in the Southern and central North Sea (ICES divisions 4c and 4b), through a limitation on the total of cod catch in those two divisions.

(50)

The Union held bilateral consultations with Norway on the management of seven shared stocks in the Skagerrak area: cod (Gadus morhua), haddock (Melanogrammus aeglefinus), herring (Clupea harengus), Northern shrimp (Pandalus borealis), plaice (Pleuronectes platessa), sprat (Sprattus sprattus) and whiting (Merlangius merlangus). Those consultations were held with a view to agreeing on the management of those stocks and fishing opportunities for 2026, as well as on exchange of quotas and access arrangements for six jointly managed stocks in the North Sea. Those consultations were successfully concluded on 16 and 18 December 2025 and the outcome was documented in three agreed records. The bilateral agreement on fisheries arrangements in the Skagerrak and Kattegat for 2026 and the protocol of fisheries consultations between Norway and the European Union on behalf of Sweden for 2026 were signed by the Heads of Delegation on 16 December 2025. The agreement on exchanges of quota and access to waters for North Sea jointly managed stocks was signed by Heads of Delegation on 18 December 2025. The relevant fishing opportunities should be set at the level agreed with Norway, and the other provisions of those agreed records should also be implemented in Union law.

(51)

Consultations between the Union and Norway are still ongoing regarding access to their respective waters for Atlanto-Scandian herring (Clupea harengus) and blue whiting (Micromesistius poutassou). Pending the conclusion of those consultations, those access levels should be marked as ‘to be established’.

(52)

For blue whiting (Micromesistius poutassou), transfers of quotas from WHB/8C3411 to WHB/1X14 for 2025 should be allowed to allow for the agreed transfer of quota for blue whiting from the Union to Norway for 2026. That should be without prejudice to the principle of relative stability of fishing activities. Regulation (EU) 2025/202 should be amended accordingly.

(53)

In accordance with the procedure provided for in the Sustainable Fisheries Partnership Agreement between the European Union, of the one part, and the Government of Greenland and the Government of Denmark, of the other part (17), and the implementing Protocol thereto (18), the Parties agreed at the Joint Committee meeting held on 19 and 20 November 2025 on the level of fishing opportunities available for the Union in Greenland waters for 2026. The relevant fishing opportunities should therefore be fixed at the level set out in the signed minutes of the Joint Committee meeting, and taking into account the transfers from the Union to Norway in the agreed records signed by the Heads of Delegation on 16 December 2025.

(54)

The Treaty of 9 February 1920 relating to Spitsbergen (Svalbard) (the ‘1920 Treaty of Paris’) grants equal and non-discriminatory access to resources around Svalbard for all Parties to that Treaty, including with respect to fishing. The Union’s position concerning that access has been outlined in several notes verbales to Norway, with the most recent being dated 26 February 2021, 28 June 2021, 1 August 2022 and 26 October 2023. As regards the fishing opportunities for snow crabs (Chionoecetes spp.) around Svalbard, it is appropriate to limit the number of fishing vessels that are authorised to conduct such fishing activities, ensuring that the exploitation of snow crabs around Svalbard is consistent with non-discriminatory management rules set by Norway, which holds sovereignty and jurisdiction in the area in accordance with the relevant provisions of the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea and the 1920 Treaty of Paris. The allocation of such fishing opportunities among Member States is limited to 2026. In the Union, the primary responsibility for ensuring compliance with applicable law lies with flag Member States.

(55)

As regards the fishing opportunities for cod in the north-east Arctic, and in light of the absence of a reference TAC for 2026, it is appropriate to establish a provisional Union quota for cod in Svalbard waters and international waters of ICES subarea 1 and division 2b, in order to ensure the continuation of fishing activities of the Union fleet for 2026. The provisional Union quota should correspond to half of the Union quota established for 2025 and be limited to period from 1 January to 30 June 2026. That provisional Union quota should be allocated to the Member States in accordance with Council Decision 87/277/EEC (19), subject to the adaptations necessary due to the withdrawal of the United Kingdom from the Union as set out in Annex 36, Table E, to the Trade and Cooperation Agreement.

(56)

In accordance with the Union’s Declaration addressed to the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela on the granting of fishing opportunities in Union waters to fishing vessels flying the flag of Venezuela in the exclusive economic zone off the coast of French Guiana, approved on behalf of the Union by Council Decision (EU) 2015/1565 (20), it is necessary to fix the maximum number of fishing authorisations for snapper available to Venezuela in Union waters for 2026.

(57)

In order to ensure uniform conditions for the implementation of this Regulation, implementing powers should be conferred on the Commission to authorise individual Member States to manage fishing effort allocations in accordance with a kilowatt per day system, to grant additional days at sea for the permanent cessation of fishing activities and for enhanced scientific observer coverage and to establish spreadsheet formats for the collection and transmission of information on transfers of days at sea between fishing vessels flying the flag of a Member State. Those powers should be exercised in accordance with Regulation (EU) No 182/2011 of the European Parliament and of the Council (21).

(58)

To ensure continuous application and prevent legal uncertainty during the period between the end of the year and the date of entry into force of the Regulation fixing the fishing opportunities for the subsequent year, the provisions of this Regulation concerning prohibitions and closed seasons should continue to apply at the beginning of 2027 until the entry into force of the Regulation fixing the fishing opportunities for 2027.

(59)

For reasons of urgency and to provide legal certainty as soon as possible, this Regulation should enter into force on the day of its publication.

(60)

To avoid the interruption of fishing activities and safeguard the livelihood of fishers, this Regulation should apply retroactively with effect from 1 January 2026.

(61)

Moreover, certain international measures that create or restrict fishing opportunities for the Union were adopted by the relevant regional fisheries management organisations (RFMOs) at the end of 2025 and became applicable before the entry into force of this Regulation. In order to reflect this situation, the provisions of this Regulation that implement such measures in Union law should therefore apply retroactively with effect from 1 December 2025. In particular, as the fishing season in the CCAMLR Convention area runs from 1 December to 30 November, and as certain fishing opportunities or prohibitions in the CCAMLR Convention area are laid down for a period starting from 1 December 2025, the relevant provisions of this Regulation should apply from that date. In addition, the fishing season for toothfishes in the SIOFA Agreement Area runs from 1 December to 30 November, and as the TACs for that group of species are established for a period starting from 1 December 2025, the TACs should apply from that date. Such retroactive application does not prejudice the principle of legitimate expectation as it is forbidden for fishing vessels flying the flag of the Contracting Party to fish in the CCAMLR Convention area and the SIOFA Agreement Area without authorisation.

(62)

Furthermore, the provisions that amend Regulation (EU) 2025/202 to allow for transfer of quota for blue whiting from WHB/8C3411 to WHB/1X14 for 2025 should apply retroactively. Such retroactive application does not affect the principle of legitimate expectations, as the quotas under those TACs have not yet been exhausted,