EU maintains herring fishing quota amid criticism and calls for compromise

In August 2025, the EU Commission proposed to continue the current herring fishing quota in the central Baltic Sea, keeping it at 83,881 tons. This decision comes after last year's controversial doubling of the herring quota, which sparked criticism and was labeled a threat to shrimp and herring populations. The proposal includes significant reductions, with the herring fishing quota in the Gulf of Bothnia expected to decrease by 62% by 2026, from 66,446 tons to 25,560 tons. A lesser reduction of 17% is anticipated for the Gulf of Riga. Furthermore, targeted cod fishing has been banned for several years, but the quota for cod bycatch will be significantly reduced. Only the salmon quota in the Gulf of Finland is proposed to increase, by 1%. Meanwhile, the German government is advocating for additional fishing opportunities for its fishermen. Officials are negotiating changes to next year’s quotas in an effort to find a 'good and fair compromise' that balances coastal fishing interests with sustainable stock recovery. The German Ministry of Agriculture underscored the need for sustainable stock management based on scientific assessments. They aim to protect herring stocks in particular and prevent measures that could severely impact German coastal fishing, especially for herring and cod. As futures fishing opportunities adjust, stakeholders will receive a more robust proposal in October, where further discussions and decisions are expected regarding the quota allocations. Overall, the proposals from the EU Commission suggest a trend towards reduced fishing opportunities for a variety of species across the Baltic Sea, reflecting a growing emphasis on sustainable practices and long-term stock recovery despite resistance from local fishermen who depend on these resources for their livelihoods.