European Commission tackles Baltic Sea fisheries crisis for 2025

The European Commission has proposed fishing opportunities for the Baltic Sea for 2025, responding to alarming scientific assessments indicating that several fish stocks are in critical condition. The proposal includes total allowable catches (TACs) and quotas for nine out of ten stocks, with the exception of Bothnian herring, which will be addressed later. Significant increases in fishing opportunities are suggested for central Baltic herring and herring in the Gulf of Riga, while reductions are proposed for salmon and sprat catches. The recommendations are grounded in scientific guidance from the International Council on the Exploration of the Seas (ICES) and align with the Baltic Sea multiannual management plan established in 2016. The EU aims to ensure that fishing levels adhere to long-term sustainability targets, known as maximum sustainable yield (MSY), as part of its Common Fisheries Policy. The EU Council is set to discuss these proposals in October 2024. The current fisheries crisis is attributed to various pressures affecting key commercial stocks, including western and eastern cod, herring, sprat, and salmon. These pressures have led to a decline in biodiversity in the Baltic Sea, exacerbated by increased nutrient inputs and high contaminant levels. The situation is further complicated by issues such as misreporting of fishing activities, which may contribute to overfishing. To support fishers and coastal regions, the European Social Fund Plus will be available for implementing measures aimed at lifelong learning and skills development. This initiative is part of a broader effort to address the challenges faced by the fishing industry in the Baltic Sea and promote sustainable practices.