Overview

• ICES issues 2026 advice for zero catch on all Northern shelf cod, citing severe multi‑year declines.
• Only Rockall would remain open with a cap of 11 tonnes, roughly 55,000 fish suppers by one newspaper estimate.
• ICES data show sharp drops since 2015: 61% in the southern region, 37% northwest of Scotland, and 23% in the Viking area.
• Quotas will be set in UK‑EU‑Norway talks that have often exceeded scientific advice, including 25,000 tonnes allowed in the North Sea last year versus 15,000 advised.
• Conservation groups call for zero quotas and fully protected marine reserves, while the UK government pledges to rebuild stocks and safeguard fleet viability.