Staff Reporter
THE Total Allowable Catch (TAC) for horse mackerel for the 2026 fishing season is set at 197,000 metric tonnes, representing a 5% reduction from the 2025 season’s TAC of 208,000 metric tonnes.
This decision was announced by the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Land Reform, which confirmed that it had been approved by Cabinet in line with the Marine Resources Act. The Ministry explained that the TAC was set based on the most up-to-date scientific advice and in accordance with the established statutory and consultative processes.
“The 5% decrease is a proactive and precautionary management decision, reflecting our commitment to responsive and science-based fishery management to ensure the stock’s long-term health,” the Ministry explained.
The Ministry also addressed the allegations of overfishing, confirming that all companies that exceeded their allocated quotas were duly penalised. According to the Ministry, these deductions are based on reconciled figures of the 2024 fishing season allocations.
On the matter of freezer and wet fish quotas, the Ministry disclosed that it had allocated both types of quotas to rights holders, but following consultations with the fishing industry, it was unanimously agreed that quota allocations should be aligned with the nature of investments made.
“Accordingly, companies that invested in freezer facilities are allocated freezer quotas. This approach was adopted to reduce operational inefficiencies and eliminate repeated requests for quota conversions. The Ministry is committed to ensuring onshore processing through the split of 60:40 allocation,” the Ministry added.
Picture for illustrative purposes only. Photo: Contributed
