Sustainable Stock Management: Reducing Cod Quotas

Though it forebodes tough times ahead for the fishing industry, the cod quotas have been reduced for the coming year. It will, however, help sustain and protect Norwegian fisheries in the long run. 

Status Quo on Cod Quotas

At the core of what we call the “Norwegian model”, is the scientific approach to the governance of our fisheries. And one of the most important parts of the management are the advised quotas on the wildfish stock. 

In 2024, The Institute of Marine Research (IMR) presented scientific advice for the quotas of Northeast Arctic cod, Northeast Arctic haddock, Beaked redfish and Greenland halibut for 2025. The advice on fishing opportunities is conducted by the bilateral Norwegian-Russian science group for fisheries in the Barents Sea, which in turn is based on advice methodology approved by The International Council for the Exploration of the Sea (ICES). The advice entails a substantial reduction in the quotas in 2025 for Norwegian cod. 

This is the Quota Advice

Following the advice, the quotas for Northeast Arctic cod for 2025 has been set to 340,000 tonnes, somewhat above the advised value of 311 587 tonnes. This represents a 25 percent reduction from the quota in 2024. 

– The advice given, and the final decision on implementation, is to ensure a sustainable yield from the Barents Sea stocks. The usual rule of a yearly adjustment of maximum 20 per cent can be superseded in a situation where the spawning biomass is below the precautionary limit of 460,000 tonnes, which currently is the situation, says Bjarte Bogstad, scientist and researcher at the IMR.  

– The main reason for yet another quota reduction is the weak 2019 and 2020 generations of cod, that together with the somewhat stronger 2021 generation now need protection to ensure future recruitment, Bogstad states. 

Tough Times Ahead: Ensuring the Future of Cod

– Though it is demanding from a trade and industry perspective, it is vital that the cod stocks are sustainably managed. This is to ensure that they can reproduce and continue to be an important resource in the years to come, says Head of Strategy and Sustainability in the Norwegian Seafood Council, Bjørn-Erik Stabell. 

– We recognize the hardships that lie ahead for those that depend on the cod for their livelihoods, as well as supporting the scientific advice given. We will continue to support the Norwegian fishing industry in the best of our capabilities through this period. It is important to note that it is, in its essence, a good thing to reduce now, if we are to protect the stocks for the future, continues Stabell. 

Though it is demanding from a trade and industry perspective, it is vital that the cod stocks are sustainably managed.

This is How the Quotas Work

The management of seafood and implementation of quotas are done in close cooperation with both the Norwegian government, scientists and experts from third-party institutions. This is because research-based knowledge and advice are critical for sustainable seafood management. 

To understand how the regulation of the Norwegian fisheries and quotas operates, it is necessary to consider the broader picture and the process during a whole regulatory year.  

Visualizing the research, advice, negotiations, and implementations as a cycle explains more of the nuances that makes up the foundation of the finished management. 

At the start of the cycle, ICES provides quota advice that is submitted for quota negotiations with other states, which is given as input to a regulatory meeting.  

The Directorate of Fisheries and the advice from the regulatory meeting is submitted to the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Fisheries, which adopts the regulatory regulations, which then leads to changes in the regulations. 

Information from research cruises and catch statistics, is then used by ICES to prepare quota advice, which is then submitted for new quota negotiations. 

Reduction Reflects Commitment

The reduction in the quotas is, in short, evidence for Norway’s long-term commitment to sustainable management of its fisheries. And at the same time, it is important to recognise the whole picture of sustainability, accounting for all the aspects of the term “ESG”.  

The social component of sustainability makes it clear that the people that are affected need security, and other means for continuing their livelihoods. And equally as important as managing and sustaining wildfish stocks – we must continue to support and sustain coastal communities across Norway. Finding the balance between all these aspects of “sustainability” will be crucial in the years to come. 

NSC Continues to Support the Industry 

Going into 2025 and the coming years, there will, no doubt, be challenges in the fisheries following the new quotas. Already we’re seeing the result of fewer landings and a demanding situation, with a sharp drop in export volume for fresh wild cod in 2024.  

Together with the industry, the NSC has created new strategies for all major species and set priorities for our markets. With long term goals and investments, we will continue to support the seafood industry.  

Working together in the coming years, efforts will be made to both maintain the position of cod as well as highlighting the potential and possibilities in species such as saithe. Shifting the perspective and seeing possibilities in other species will be important moving forward. 

Bjorn-Erik Stabell | Havforskningsinstituttet

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