Despite sanctions and political pressure, Russia and the Faroe Islands have agreed on fishing rules for 2026, as reported by Seafoodsource
The agreement was signed just before the New Year after long video negotiations. The Faroe Islands’ Minister of Fisheries, Eirikur Jacobstovu, admitted the talks were difficult but welcomed the outcome: local fishermen now know their quotas and can operate safely in the Barents Sea.
The main challenge was the sanctions the Faroes imposed on Russian giants Norebo and Murman Seafood. From January 1, they were stripped of their licenses over suspicions of espionage in European waters.
In response, Russia accused the islands of violating old agreements from the 1970s and warned that such steps would undermine the established system. However, the Faroe Islands set a strict condition: negotiations would continue only if these two companies remained banned. In the end, Moscow had to accept the rules to avoid losing access to the region entirely.
Under the deal, the parties exchanged quotas. Due to declining fish stocks, catch volumes were reduced across almost all species. In 2026, the Faroes can catch about 6,300 tons of cod and 1,500 tons of haddock in Russian waters, along with shrimp and flounder. In return, Russia received the right to catch 65,000 tons of Alaska pollock, as well as herring and mackerel, in Faroese waters.
It is noted that the deal almost fully mirrors Russia’s recent agreements with Norway. The Norwegians also imposed sanctions on the same Russian companies before signing their papers. Despite mutual dissatisfaction and political disputes, the northern countries concluded that agreeing on quotas was better than allowing chaos and uncontrolled fishing, which could devastate the fish population for years.
