The Marine Research Institute (IMR) has recommended a decrease in the capelin fishing quota for 2025 in the Barents Sea, in response to a significant drop in the capelin population and record-high mortality rates. The final decision on the quota will be made by the Norwegian-Russian Fisheries Committee. The IMR's findings, which show a decline in capelin biomass over the past two years and the population at its third-lowest level in a decade, are based on a scientific survey despite challenging weather conditions. Capelin populations in the Barents Sea have historically shown resilience and quick recovery after population declines, attributed to the superior marine ecosystem and scientific management.