New fishing restrictions in the Kattegat 2026: what changes for Swedish and Danish fleets

Key data

Fishing fleets operating in the Kattegat face new conditions for access to the protected marine area Nordvästra Skånes havsområde. The Delegated Regulation (EU) 2026/785, published on 16 June 2026, amends Delegated Regulation (EU) 2017/118 to strengthen conservation measures in this area, with the aim of preserving benthic habitats and sensitive marine species.

The regulation is part of the EU Common Fisheries Policy and the conservation obligations arising from the marine Natura 2000 network. This is not a recommendation: Member States are obliged to adapt their fishing authorizations and controls to the new requirements.

What does this regulation establish?

Delegated Regulation (EU) 2026/785 specifically amends Delegated Regulation (EU) 2017/118, which already established fisheries conservation measures in EU waters. The changes are concentrated in the protected marine area Nordvästra Skånes havsområde, located in the Kattegat, between the coasts of Sweden and Denmark.

The new provisions establish:

• Specific restrictions or conditions for fishing activities within the protected marine area.
• Limitations on bottom fishing gear and other techniques with impact on benthic habitats.
• Obligation for Member States to adapt their fishing authorization systems to the new conservation requirements.
• Strengthening of controls on vessels operating in the area, in line with EU fisheries control regulations.

The previous regulation —Delegated Regulation (EU) 2017/118— already contained conservation measures in this area, but the new regulation strengthens and expands them to respond to the obligations arising from the designation of the area as a marine Natura 2000 zone.

Economic and operational impact

The direct impact falls on fishing fleets using bottom gear —trawls, bottom set nets, bottom longlines— in the Nordvästra Skånes havsområde area. These vessels may see their access to fishing grounds they previously exploited with greater freedom limited or conditioned.

From an operational perspective, the most immediate effects are:

• Review of fishing authorizations: Existing licenses may not be valid if they do not include the new conditions. Shipowners must verify their situation before continuing to operate in the area.
• Change of gear or fishing zones: Vessels using prohibited or conditioned bottom gear will have to adapt their equipment or relocate their activity to other areas.
• Adaptation costs: Changing fishing gear, crew training, and administrative management of new authorizations generate direct costs for shipowners.
• Risk of sanctions: Non-compliance may result in administrative sanctions in accordance with EU fisheries control regulations, without the published regulation specifying specific amounts.

Who does it affect?

• Swedish shipowners and fishing fleets operating in the Kattegat, especially in the Nordvästra Skånes havsområde area.
• Danish shipowners and fishing fleets with activity in the same waters.
• Swedish and Danish fishing authorities, which must adapt their authorization and control systems to the new requirements.
• Processing and marketing companies that depend on the supply of species caught in this area, which may see their supply volumes affected.
• Advisors and fishing fleet managers who must review the regulatory situation of their clients with activity in the Kattegat.

Practical example

A Swedish shipowner with a bottom trawl vessel that regularly operates in the Nordvästra Skånes havsområde area of the Kattegat must, before continuing its activity, verify whether its current fishing authorization includes the new conditions established by Delegated Regulation (EU) 2026/785.

If its bottom fishing gear is restricted or conditioned in the area, it has two options: adapt the gear to the permitted requirements (with the equipment and training costs that this entails) or redirect its activity to other areas of the Kattegat not affected by the new measures. Operating without adapting the authorization poses a risk of administrative sanction in accordance with EU fisheries control regulations.

What should companies do now?

1. Verify if they operate in the affected area: Check whether any vessel in the fleet has activity in the protected marine area Nordvästra Skånes havsområde, in the Kattegat.
2. Review current fishing authorizations: Check whether current licenses are compatible with the new restrictions or conditions established by Delegated Regulation (EU) 2026/785.
3. Identify affected fishing gear: Determine whether bottom gear or other techniques are used that may be limited in the area, and assess the operational impact.
4. Contact the national fishing authority: Consult with the competent Swedish or Danish administration to obtain guidance on the new authorization and control requirements.
5. Plan adaptation: If a change of gear or fishing area is required, start the adaptation process as soon as possible to avoid operational disruptions and risk of sanctions.
6. Consult the complete regulation: Review the full text of Delegated Regulation (EU) 2026/785 in the EU Official Journal to know the exact details of the applicable restrictions.

Official source

Consult complete regulation in official source

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. For specific decisions, consult a qualified professional. Source: https://eur-lex.europa.eu/./legal-content/AUTO/?uri=OJ:L_202600785