#Fish: Commission proposes increase in fishing in Baltic Sea

The European Commission tabled its proposal on fishing opportunities in the Baltic Sea for 2017. The proposal is based on the recently adopted multiannual fisheries management plan for the Baltic Sea, and takes into consideration scientific advice received in May 2016.

The Commission proposes to increase catch limits for 6 out of 10 fish stocks (Western, Bothnian and Central herring, sprat, plaice and main basin salmon) and to decrease catch limits for 2 stocks (Gulf of Riga herring and Gulf of Finland salmon). The Commission is collecting more information before proposing catch limits for the remaining 2 stocks (Western and Eastern cod).

Commissioner Karmenu Vella, responsible for the Environment, Fisheries and Maritime Affairs, said: "Making Europe's fisheries sustainable is a key deliverable of the EU's Common Fisheries Policy. The fishing opportunities proposed today are set with this objective firmly in mind. This is good news for all those who have an interest in healthy fisheries, first and foremost fishermen themselves."

In socio-economic terms the Commission proposal should improve overall economic performance in the Baltic Sea as a whole, in spite of significant differences across fleets segments and fisheries.

In socio-economic terms the Commission proposal should improve overall economic performance in the Baltic Sea as a whole, in spite of significant differences across fleets segments and fisheries. This proposal could increase both profits by €13 million and employment at sea basin level.

The economic performance of the EU fleet has been improving since 2014 according to the Commission’s scientific advisors in the Joint Research Centre. A reduction in fuel costs by 9% following the 2008 fuel crisis,in energy consumption by 25% and a reduction in effort (days at sea) by 1% has made the sector for efficient. Nevertheless, the fishing lobby – Europêche - argue that the sector remains vulnerable with loss of fishing grounds devoted to nature conservation and offshore wind farms, fewer young people entering the sector, reduced quotas and market saturation.

Sustainable fishing

Commissioner Karmenu Vella, responsible for the Environment, Fisheries and Maritime Affairs, said: "Making Europe's fisheries sustainable is a key deliverable of the EU's Common Fisheries Policy. The fishing opportunities proposed today are set with this objective firmly in mind. This is good news for all those who have an interest in healthy fisheries, first and foremost fishermen themselves."

The biggest proposed increase concerns plaice, whose catch limit under this proposal would rise by 95%. This reflects the good shape of the stock, which has been growing since 2008. It is also due to the fact that, from 2017 onwards, fishermen will have to land all plaice they catch in an effort to eliminate the wasteful practice of discarding.

At the same time, the state of the Western Baltic cod does not seem to have improved this year, according to the International Council for the Exploration of the Sea (ICES). Fishing pressure from commercial and recreational fisheries remains high, and past measures have not had the desired effect in helping the stock to recover.

The Commission is examining with national authorities and stakeholders – including commercial and recreational fishermen – which steps are needed to give this stock a chance to recover, while also ensuring the economic viability of the fishing industry.

Member States can use allocations from the European Maritime and Fisheries Fund (EMFF) to support fishermen through a period of necessary quota reductions. The Commission has already assured the Member State authorities of its support in making such funding available quickly and efficiently.

In addition, the Commission has asked its scientific advisory body STECF to analyse the impact of recreational fishing on Baltic cod stocks and assess different possible stock management measures. The Commission will propose catch limits for the Baltic cod stocks (Western and Eastern) once these clarifications are available.

The proposal will be discussed by Member States' fisheries ministers at the October Fisheries Council in Luxembourg.

Share this article: