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Commission proposes 2026 fishing opportunities for the Baltic Sea

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The European Commission has adopted its proposal for the 2026 fishing opportunities in the Baltic Sea, setting total allowable catches (TACs) and quotas for the ten stocks managed by the EU. The proposal reflects the latest scientific assessments from the International Council for the Exploration of the Sea (ICES) and aligns with the 2016 multiannual management plan for cod, herring, and sprat. The Commission proposes increasing salmon TACs by 1% in the Gulf of Finland, while maintaining quotas for central Baltic herring and sprat. In contrast, it proposes reductions for several stocks: Bothnian herring (-62%), herring in the Gulf of Riga (-17%), plaice (-3%), salmon in the main basin (-27%), and unavoidable by-catches of western Baltic cod (-84%), eastern Baltic cod (-63%), and western Baltic herring (-50%).  

The Baltic Sea is facing critical environmental challenges, such as biodiversity loss, eutrophication, and overfishing. The Commission's proposal reaffirms the EU's commitment to achieving Maximum Sustainable Yield (MSY) targets, seeking to balance ecological resilience with the livelihoods of Baltic fishers. To support this transition, the European Maritime, Fisheries and Aquaculture Fund (EMFAF) and the European Social Fund Plus will provide assistance through temporary cessation and skills development programs. As part of this effort, the Commission will host the third Our Baltic conference in Stockholm on 30 September 2025, fostering regional collaboration in addressing these pressing issues.

Fisheries and Oceans Commissioner Costas Kadis (pictured) said: “I am worried about the poor state of the Baltic Sea fish stocks and the impact that this has on local fishers. Too many fish stocks are close to collapsing and the ecosystem is worsening. We need to fully implement the EU legislation and take measures at all levels and in all policy areas or this situation will continue over the coming years. We must rebuild fish stocks and reinforce the ecosystem in the Baltic. This must be a joint effort.”

More information is available in a press release and questions and answers online. 

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