politics
Norway and Russia Have Reached a Fisheries Agreement for 2027
Norway and Russia have agreed on a fisheries agreement for 2027. “For the first time in six years, we are seeing an increase in the cod quota in the Barents Sea,” says Norwegian Minister of Fisheries and Ocean Policy Marianne Sivertsen Næss.
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On Friday this week, Norway and Russia reached a fisheries agreement for 2027. The negotiations began on Monday October 19, and this year the negotiations took place in Istanbul, Turkey.
This is the first time since 2019 that the parties have met in person. The negotiations have been conducted digitally over the past years.
An increase in the cod quota
After several years of declining cod quotas, this year's agreement entails an increase in next year's quota, which has been long awaited by many in the fisheries industry.
More specifically, the total quota for Northeast Arctic cod for 2027 has been set at 325,000 tonnes, representing an increase of 14 per cent compared with this year's quota.
The cod quota for 2026 was the lowest since 1991.
"For the first time in six years, we are seeing an increase in the cod quota in the Barents Sea. This is very welcome," says Norwegian Minister of Fisheries and Ocean Policy Marianne Sivertsen Næss.
The Ministry of Industry, Commerce and Fisheries writes that the cod quota for 2027 has been set at a level that contributes to the continued rebuilding of the stock. After several years of decline, the indicators are now cautiously beginning to point upwards.
Furthermore, the haddock quota entails a substantial increase of 18 per cent from this year's level.
Challenging negotiations
"This year's negotiations have been challenging, and the listing of the two Russian fishing companies has once again left its mark on the negotiations. Despite this, I am pleased that we have reached an agreement that will ensure sustainable management of the important fish resources in the north," Næss adds.
As the Minister of Fisheries and Ocean Policy indicates, last year's agreement was reached against a challenging backdrop, and the parties finally concluded the agreement just before Christmas.
As reported by HNN, Norway joined the EU sanctions in July 2026 and listed two Russian fishing companies, which subsequently left its mark on last year's negotiations. The listing meant that vessels from the two companies loses access to Norwegian ports and territorial waters, and that they will not receive renewed fishing licenses in the Norwegian economic zone.
In a previous interview with HNN when last year's agreement was reached, Senior Researcher Geir Hønneland at the Fridtjof Nansen Institute said the most important thing was that Russia had actually agreed to a quota agreement with Norway even though Norway did not reverse its decision to list vessels from the two Russian fishing companies.
"It is noteworthy in light of the fact that Russia earlier this fall [in 2026, journ. note] threatened to take unilateral management measures in the Barents Sea if Norway did not withdraw the listing," he added.
He said this showed how important the fisheries agreement with Norway is for Russia because it gives Russian vessels access to the western parts of the Barents Sea, where the fish are largest and most easily accessible.
Agreement on research programme
In connection with the agreement for 2027, the Ministry of Industry, Commerce and Fisheries further states that the quota recommendations for 2027 for the stocks managed jointly by Norway and Russia were also this year prepared by a bilateral working group between the Norwegian Institute of Marine Research and the Russian research institute VNIRO.
The working group has followed internationally recognised methodology and frameworks for stock assessment and advice.
"We have agreed on a joint Norwegian-Russian research programme for 2027 and the continuation of joint technical regulatory measures for fishing activities. Agreement was also reached to continue the management rules for cod and haddock for five further years," the press release states.
"Fish resources in the Barents Sea are crucial for jobs and value creation along the coast. For 50 years, Norwegian-Russian fisheries cooperation has ensured sustainable and predictable management. This fisheries agreement means an enormous amount to coastal communities, fishers and Norway," concludes the Norwegian Minister of Fisheries and Ocean Policy.
