Brussels: The European Commission has unveiled its proposal for the 2026 fishing opportunities in the Baltic Sea, establishing total allowable catches (TACs) and quotas for the ten fish stocks managed by the European Union. The proposal takes into account the latest scientific assessments from the International Council for the Exploration of the Sea (ICES) and is in line with the 2016 multiannual management plan for cod, herring, and sprat.
According to Cyprus News Agency, the proposal includes an increase of 1% in salmon TACs for the Gulf of Finland, while maintaining the current quotas for central Baltic herring and sprat. However, it suggests reductions for several other stocks: Bothnian herring by 62%, herring in the Gulf of Riga by 17%, plaice by 3%, salmon in the main basin by 27%, and unavoidable by-catches of western Baltic cod by 84%, eastern Baltic cod by 63%, and western Baltic herring by 50%.
The Baltic Sea is currently grappling with significant environmental challenges, such as biodiversity loss, eutrophication, and overfishing. The Commission’s proposal highlights the EU’s dedication to achieving Maximum Sustainable Yield (MSY) targets, aiming to balance ecological sustainability with the economic needs of Baltic fishers. To aid this transition, the European Maritime, Fisheries and Aquaculture Fund (EMFAF) along with the European Social Fund Plus will offer support through programs focused on temporary cessation and skill development. Additionally, the Commission plans to organize the third Our Baltic conference in Stockholm on 30 September 2025, to promote regional cooperation in tackling these critical issues.
Commissioner for Fisheries and Oceans, Costas Kadis, expressed concern over the deteriorating condition of the Baltic Sea fish stocks and the consequent effect on local fishers. He emphasized the urgency of implementing EU legislation and taking comprehensive measures across all policy areas to prevent further deterioration. Kadis stressed the importance of rebuilding fish stocks and strengthening the Baltic ecosystem, calling for a collaborative effort to address the challenges.