Key Highlights from the North Atlantic Seafood Forum 2026

Undercurrent is reporting from the North Atlantic Seafood Forum in Bergen, Norway, which took place from March 3-5, 2026. Here’s a recap of the significant developments from the first day of the forum.

Booming Pelagics Fisheries Boost the Faroese Economy

A recent economic report from the Faroe Islands illustrates the pivotal role that pelagic fisheries play in bolstering the nation’s economy. Despite facing global uncertainties, the economy demonstrated substantial growth, primarily fuelled by a share of pelagic quotas in the northeast Atlantic.

Upcoming Deadline for Blue Whiting Quota Agreement

The urgent deadline for northeast Atlantic coastal states to finalize a comprehensive quota-sharing arrangement for blue whiting is fast approaching. Stakeholders are concerned that failure to achieve this agreement could jeopardize the large salmon-farming sector by alienating key buyers.

Iceland’s Call for a Reset on Mackerel Sharing

Heidrun Lind Marteinsdottir, CEO of Fisheries Iceland, emphasized the necessity for a reset in mackerel-sharing agreements, moving away from the current intricate web of bilateral agreements. Despite Iceland recently joining a four-party mackerel quota-sharing agreement scheduled for the end of 2025, Marteinsdottir’s comments highlighted a need for simplification in regulatory frameworks.

Challenges Ahead for the Mackerel Market

The last year has seen significant market fluctuations for northeast Atlantic mackerel, leading to concerns that the sustainability of the fishery is at stake. Without a robust quota-sharing agreement between coastal states, parts of the market have expressed intentions to withdraw from sourcing this fish, considering it overfished.

Is a Mackerel Sharing Agreement Within Reach?

Amidst generally bleak sentiments surrounding geopolitical developments related to pelagic quota-sharing in the northeast Atlantic, one voice of optimism emerged. Discussions suggested that the potential agreement might be only “a fraction of a percent” from being achieved.

Retail Trends: UK Prices Lagging Behind

According to Nicola Hunter, seafood purchasing director at Hilton Food Group, retail prices for UK seafood continue to lag in comparison to the international whitefish market. Notably, salmon has taken a surprising position as the low-cost option within the chilled seafood segment.

Dutch Processors Embrace Automation

Tim Brouwer, CEO of Norwegian Seafood Group, highlighted a trend among Dutch processors to integrate automation and value-added products (VAP) in response to the soft salmon spot market. This strategic move aims to capitalize on market opportunities amid fluctuating prices.

Transition in Retail Focus

As the seafood market evolves, there has been a noticeable shift in retail focus from volume to margins. Despite expectations for firm salmon spot prices heading into 2026, demand thus far has been disappointingly low, as noted by Sven Schlizio, lead buyer on farmed fish for Deutsche See.

Regal Springs Contributes to NASF Suppers

Graham Ellis, CEO of Regal Springs, is slated to address the whitefish panel on Wednesday at NASF 2026, and his company is also providing over 70kg of tilapia for the forum meals, showcasing their commitment to the event.

Record Attendance Expected at NASF 2026

Organizers announced that NASF 2026 anticipates a record turnout, expecting over 1,150 seafood executives, experts, and investors, surpassing last year’s numbers amid a complex global trade landscape.

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