Norway and the Faroe Islands have entered into a new agreement on Norwegian spring-spawning (NVG) herring.

Under the terms of the agreement, Norway will take a unilateral share of 64.18% of the total 2025 quota of 401,794 metric tons as recommended by the International Council for the Exploration of the Seas, at 257,871t. The Faroes will have a share of 10%, at 40,179t.

Over the past two years, Norway and the Faroe Islands have significantly reduced their respective unilateral quotas, said the Norwegian government. Norway has reduced its share from 76% to 64.18%, while the Faroes has decreased its share from 22% to 10%.

Together, both have collectively reduced overfishing by 23.87%, a move that underscores their shared responsibility in managing the herring stock sustainably, said the government.

"With this agreement, we show that Norway takes great responsibility for reducing fishing pressure on NVG herring. I hope it can inspire the other parties so that in the long term, we can reach a comprehensive agreement that includes all coastal states and active fishing parties," said Norway's minister of fisheries and oceans, Marianne Sivertsen Naess.

The agreement also covers access to fishing zones for both countries. Faroese vessels will gain access to fish for spring-spawning herring in the Norwegian economic zone, while Norwegian vessels will have access to fish for blue whiting in the Faroes' economic zone.

These arrangements will remain in effect until terminated by either party or both.

Coastal states will officially announce their total allowable catches for NVG herring to the North East Atlantic Fisheries Commission by March 1, 2025. Those for mackerel and blue whiting must be confirmed by May 1.