Iceland Gets Higher Tuna Quota But Lacks Vessels

Iceland received a 13 percent increase in bluefin quota for 2026, from 224 tons to 254 tons, at the ICCAT 29th Regular Meeting in Spain in November. However, current regulations and a shortage of boats to catch bluefin have left the nation with challenges to utilize the quota.

Iceland has held a bluefin quota since 2016, but lacks a fleet capable of harvesting the tuna, with facilities such as deep-freezing, leaving the allocation effectively unused. The country has also asked for a review of rules banning foreign chartered vessels from operating in its waters to catch bluefin. If these regulations are revised, Iceland could begin tuna catching and strengthen its position in ICCAT negotiations, where continued participation can influence annual quota adjustments, reported The Fishing Daily.