Yesterday the European Commission tabled its proposal on 2009 fishing opportunities in the Baltic Sea. The proposal states that most stocks in the Baltic Sea should be subject to reduced catches in 2009. This is especially true for the Western cod stock, which requires serious attention to prevent further decline.
The Commission’s proposal reflects the latest advice from ICES and the opinion of the Commission’s own Scientific, Technical and Economic Committee on Fisheries (STECF), together with input from stakeholders, in particular from the Baltic Sea Regional Advisory Council
For nearly all species that are subject to annual quotas, the Commission recommends cutting 2009 catches. However, an increased TAC is recommended for the Eastern cod stock. Below follows a short summary of the Commission proposal for the commercially most important species in relation to the ICES advice.
Cod
The Eastern stock
Scientists have long advised that the eastern Baltic cod has been overfished to the point where it may be in risk of collapse, and have recommended a fishing ban. Decision makers have continuously agreed on higher quotas than recommended by scientists. The stock is further threatened by illegal fishing.
For 2009, the European Commission is now proposing an increase of 15 % in the EU quota for eastern Baltic cod, from 38 765 tonnes to 44 580 tonnes, which is line with the established multi-annual management plan and the recommendation issued by ICES. This is based on the observation that the Eastern cod stock has shown some recent improvement.
The Commissioner Joe Borg says in a statement that the reason for the improvement in Spawning Stock Biomass (SSB) for this stock is a result of the established management plan. The reality however is not that simple. The stock has seen an improvement primarily due to favorable spawning conditions in 2003 and 2005. Additionally, management actions such as temporary closures during the spawning period and improved fisheries control have most likely helped improved the situation. It is therefore important that the increases in TAC over the next few years are set with caution, together with continued improvements in control and compliance.
The Western stock
The Western stock has had four poor year classes in a row, with remaining concerns about the stock levels. As a result, a straightforward application of the management plan will be needed as a minimum measure to prevent its condition from worsening. The Commission is now proposing a decrease of 15% in the Total Allowable Catch (TAC) on western Baltic cod, from 19 221 tonnes to 16 337 tonnes. In addition, cod trawlers operating in the western Baltic waters will have to tie up at ports for longer periods of time, with a proposed 10 percent fewer days at sea.
According to ICES, even stronger actions is needed in order to put this stock out of risk of reduced reproductive capacity, with a minimum reduction of 28% in TAC compared to 2008.
Herring
The Commission is proposing a reduction of 63% in the TAC for Western Baltic herring, from 44 550 tonnes, to 16 400 tonnes, which is inline with the ICES advice. The reduction is recommended as a precautionary measure as the stock recently has suffered low recruitment rates. For the central herring stock, the Commission proposes a 6% reduction, from 152 630 tonnes to 143 609 tonnes, which is also in line with the ICES recommendations.
Sprat
In the case of sprat, the Commission is proposing a reduction of 15%. The Commission states that this is in line with “the RAC’s proposal, from 454 492 tonnes to 386 318 tonnes”. Note that this is only the view of the 2/3 group consisting of industrial representatives in the Baltic Sea RAC. The environmental NGOs of the 1/3 group (other interests) recommended that the ICES advice of a 40% reduction due to observed reductions in recruitment should be followed.
Salmon
The Commission is proposing a 15% reduction in salmon TACs for the Gulf of Finland as well as for the main basin and the Gulf of Bothnia. The proposal is based on the ICES reports of a very low smolt survival rate in the main basin and the Gulf of Bothia, and poor state of salmon in the Gulf of Finland. ICES, however, suggests that stronger measures are needed, where a total ban on fishing of wild salmon in the Gulf of Finland is proposed. For the main basin and the Gulf of Bothnia, ICES suggests that landings in 2009 should be lower than expected decreased landings of 2008 as result of the ban on driftnet fishing.
The present proposal will be discussed at the Fisheries Council meeting in October.