CHARTING THE UK FISHING INDUSTRY’S COURSE FOR 2026

Charting the UK fishing industry’s course for 2026.  

By Phil Haslam, Managing Director, North Atlantic Fishing Company (NAFC).

While healthy stocks and strong prices gave the UK fishing industry reason for optimism last year, 2026 is shaping up to be a considerably more demanding test of the sector’s resilience.

Significant TAC reductions for key pelagic species are directly impacting fleet activity and revenues. Simultaneously, the available space for fishing continues to shrink. Expanding marine protected areas, offshore wind developments – and the government’s new strategic compensatory measures to offset these projects’ environmental impacts – are all contributing to a growing spatial squeeze.

Adding further volatility to the sector are post‑Brexit trade frictions and shifting scientific advice and quotas.

Leading through transparency and technology

Despite these pressures, the catching sector continues to move forward with resilience, adaptability, and innovation. One example is the early adoption of Remote Electronic Monitoring (REM). Our vessel, Frank Bonefaas, led the way in deploying the system ahead of Scotland’s March 2026 deadline, demonstrating a clear commitment to transparency and responsible fishing.

Our collaboration with scientific and regulatory partners, such as Cefas, ICES, and the Pelagic Freezer Trawler Association, is also expanding. Endeavours include self‑sampling, full-voyage data collection, and hosting researchers on board our vessels.

At the same time, we continue to invest in practical improvements, including fuel‑efficient gear, advanced anti‑fouling technologies, and shore power, alongside welcoming a new cadet intake in 2026.

From short‑term pressure to long‑term strategy

These steps reflect a broader principle that the industry’s response to volatility must be strategic, not reactive.

Against this backdrop, the industry must focus on what we can control – responsible practice, transparency, consistent investment, and a steady, solutions-led approach through periods of volatility.

The pressures facing the sector make 2026 a decisive year. Instead of responding to challenges piecemeal, the industry must begin building a coherent long‑term strategy.

The strategy should focus on four priorities: a shared vision, digital transformation, workforce development, and strong science‑based stock management. Delivering it will require genuine partnership across industry, government, science, and regulation, while balancing short-term volatility with long-term resilience.

However, the UK has yet to define the role of fishing in the modern economy: is it a sector that should slowly wind down, or a strategic industry central to food production? Without that clarity, policy and investment lack consistency, leaving the sector focused on short-term pressures instead of long-term planning.

A jointly developed vision, supported by industry, government, scientists, regulators, and NGOs, would help build confidence, attract investment, and support disciplined science‑based management across both strong and weak stock cycles.

Currently, the Fisheries Act places greater weight on protection than on productivity and food security, despite fishing’s role in supplying low-carbon protein. For shared pelagic stocks, sustainability depends on all catching nations respecting agreed quota shares and management frameworks.

Digitising the future

Addressing these challenges, from spatial squeeze to trade friction, will require not just political will, but smarter systems.

Digital technology is already reshaping the industry, with REM acting as the starting point for wider integration of digital systems. This is especially important for UK–EU exports, where disconnected processes still create delay and duplication.

More integrated digital platforms could reduce friction, speed up trade, and enable “earned recognition” for compliant operators through streamlined regulatory checks. Digital systems would also help meet rising consumer demand for full traceability from ocean to plate.

At NAFCO, we’re already investing in these tools, demonstrating how smart technology can support both environmental recovery and growth while strengthening the UK fishing industry’s role as a modern, transparent food producer.

Managing stocks responsibly

Sustainable stock management remains central to food security. Wild-caught fish produce some of the most environmentally efficient protein available, but it’s a resource that requires careful management.

This means accepting TAC reductions when scientific evidence requires them while using longer-term planning and greater restraint in stronger years to reduce sharp quota swings. Closer science-industry collaboration can also strengthen the evidence base and support more selective, efficient fishing.

However, domestic discipline alone is not enough. For shared pelagic stocks such as mackerel and blue whiting, international compliance is essential for sustainability.

Investing in people and skills

Public perceptions of UK fishing often lag behind the reality of today’s STEM-focused industry. Modern vessels are technologically advanced workplaces where crews operate digital monitoring systems, sophisticated navigation equipment, and efficient gear.

With careers now ranging from data analysis and vessel technology to environmental monitoring and supply chain traceability, the industry offers skilled, well‑paid roles with clear progression and genuine long-term career stability. For young people, fishing offers the chance to support coastal communities while helping deliver sustainable, low‑carbon protein.

The challenge for 2026 is to make those opportunities more visible through recruitment, STEM outreach, and clear training pathways.

Looking ahead

As the UK fishing industry enters this decisive period, policymakers and stakeholders face a clear choice: either tolerate and manage fishing as a legacy sector or build a modern, strategic, sustainable food source.

With a shared long-term vision, faster digitalisation, investment in skills, and firm support for science-based management at home and abroad, 2026 can become a turning point. Our focus is to stay proactive, showing that responsibility, technology, and partnership can build a resilient future for UK fishing.

Image: ©Fish Focus