Norway and the European Union agreed on July 1 to a total shrimp quota of 4,010 tonnes for the Skagerrak and the North Sea for the upcoming quota year. The new quota represents a 12 per cent decrease compared to the previous year.
For the period from July 1, 2025, to June 30, 2026, Norway's share of the total quota will be 2,511 tonnes.
The reduction follows a recommendation from the International Council for the Exploration of the Sea (ICES), which has assessed the shrimp stock as being below a "critically low level". According to the ICES advice, the stock could recover to a higher level in 2026 if the reduced fishing quota is followed.
Minister of Fisheries and the Oceans, Marianne Sivertsen Næss, stated that the decision was based on the best available scientific advice from ICES. She acknowledged that the low quota will be challenging and demanding for shrimp fishermen, but noted that fishing can now start again from July 1.