UK Overfishing Exceeds Scientific Advice for 58 Percent of Fish Stocks in 2026
Data from the Centre for Environment, Fisheries and Aquaculture Science shows that catch limits exceeded scientific recommendations in 58 percent of monitored fish populations. Conservation groups highlight declines in cod and mackerel stocks, with cod in the Celtic Sea dropping 96 percent over the past decade.
rte.ieNew data from the Centre for Environment, Fisheries and Aquaculture Science (Cefas) indicates that internationally agreed catch limits exceeded scientific advice in 58 percent of fish populations around the UK in 2026. Out of 79 catch agreements, 31 aligned with scientific advice, representing 39 percent, while 46 did not, and two could not be assessed.
The number of agreements meeting sustainability criteria decreased from 35 in 2025 to 31 in 2026.
Conservation charity Blue Marine stated that overfishing practices are contributing to shortages in stocks such as cod and mackerel. The organization noted that cod populations in the Celtic Sea have declined by 96 percent over the last decade, yet catch limits allow for harvests nearly equal to the remaining adult population.
Mackerel numbers in UK waters have fallen by approximately 76 percent during the same period.
The International Council for the Exploration of the Sea (ICES) recommended a 70 percent reduction in mackerel catches for 2026 compared to 2025 levels across regional stocks.
ICES stated that adhering to these limits is necessary to mitigate long-term risks to the species and the fishing industry. Blue Marine's fisheries policy lead, Jonny Hughes, said: "Scientists, conservationists and many inshore fishermen have long warned that current management approaches are failing to halt the decline of critical species.
" — Jonny Hughes, Blue Marine fisheries policy lead (The Independent) In response to these trends, supermarket chain Waitrose announced it would remove mackerel from its shelves by April 29, 2026, to reduce pressure on overfished species.
The Marine Conservation Society (MCS) advised consumers to avoid purchasing UK-caught cod, stating there is no sustainable method to harvest the species currently. MCS also recommended avoiding trawled scampi in its Good Fish Guide, which assists shoppers in selecting sustainable seafood options.
