Russia Proposes Increasing Atlantic Cod Quota, in Conflict with Norway's Suggestion

Russia's federal fisheries agency (Rosrybolovstvo) proposes raising the 2026 Atlantic cod catch quota in northern regions to 315,033 tons, stating that the downward trend in the species' biomass has ended. It notes that the commercial biomass of Atlantic cod stands at 1.22 million tons, with new spawning biomass reaching 325,000 tons.

• Previously, the Norway-Russia Joint Fisheries Commission (JNRFC) suggested cutting the quota by 21% to 269,440 tons (this year's quota is 311,587 tons). Rosrybolovstvo argues that the JNRFC's recommendation, based on certain mathematical models, contains numerous uncertainties and underestimates the actual biomass of cod.

• Other Developments:

  • The CIF price of Russian 1-2kg Atlantic cod remained stable at $7,750 per ton in the 30th week.

  • Due to sanctions imposed by the EU and Norway on Russian enterprises, 45%-50% of Russian cod cannot be directly sold to Europe, which may affect fishing cooperation in the Barents Sea.

  • The JNRFC recommends an 18% increase in the 2026 haddock quota to 153,293 tons. Rosrybolovstvo states that the commercial biomass of haddock is 439,000 tons, with new spawning biomass of 149,000 tons.