Ireland's agricultural Minister, Charlie McConalogue, has criticized Norway's decision to increase its mackerel quota by 55%, from 22.5% to 35%, claiming it threatens the sustainability of the fishery and undermines the UN Coastal States Agreement on mackerel management. This situation arose following the UK's departure from the EU, which has disrupted the agreement and led to an unfair burden on EU mackerel fleets. The situation is further complicated by the EU/UK Trade and Cooperation Agreement, which reduces the EU's mackerel quota by 26% by 2026, affecting Ireland, the largest EU quota holder, and already impacting its pelagic fishing industry. McConalogue has called on the European Commission to challenge Norway's unilateral action and protect EU mackerel fleets.