On the 26th of August 2025 the European Commission released its proposal for the Fishing Opportunities in the Baltic Sea for 2026. This proposal reflects a continued critical situation for several key stocks, leading to significant reductions in catch limits to promote long-term sustainability. In line with our standard practice of sharing news and updates with our network, we are publishing the summary of the Commission’s press release below.
In the Baltic Sea, the Commission’s proposal establishes Total Allowable Catches (TACs) for each of the ten commercially important stocks. The overall fishing opportunities are cut by 14.3% from 2025, or about 295,000 tonnes, in a clear attempt to address the ecosystem’s dire situation.
The suggested TACs adhere to the Baltic multiannual management plan and are founded on the best available scientific advice from the International Council for the Exploration of the Sea (ICES). It is anticipated that the economic impact will result in stable quotas for two Member States and reduced opportunities for six.
Cod
The stock of eastern Baltic cod is still in a critical condition. For the sixth year in a row, ICES has reiterated its zero-catch recommendations. The Commission suggests keeping the targeted fishery closed and enforcing all related corrective actions, such as prohibiting recreational fishing. Based on reported landings in 2024, a by-catch TAC of 159 tonnes is set to prevent choking other fisheries while preventing an increase in fishing pressure.
Likewise, ICES recommends no catches for 2026 for western Baltic cod. The targeted fishery will not be allowed to reopen. Similar to the strategy for eastern cod, a minimum by-catch TAC of 42 tonnes is suggested in order to reduce socioeconomic effects and safeguard the stock.
Herring
For herring stocks, the situation is dire. With the biomass estimated at only 52% of the critical Blim level, ICES recommends zero catches for western Baltic herring for the eighth consecutive year. The Commission wants to remove the prior exemption for small-scale coastal fisheries and completely shut down the targeted fishery. For inevitable catches in sprat fisheries, a by-catch TAC of 394 tonnes is established.
Bothnian herring biomass has fallen to one of its lowest points ever. To aid in recovery, the Commission suggests introducing a new three-month spawning closure period and drastically reducing the TAC by -62%.
Despite a recent increase above Blim, the biomass of central Baltic herring is still well below healthy levels (MSY Btrigger). The Commission suggests a three-month spawning closure as a corrective measure and keeping the 2025 TAC at 83,881 tonnes. On the other hand, the Gulf of Riga’s herring stock is still robust and above MSY Btrigger. In accordance with the recommendations of the ICES, the Commission suggests a reduction of 17% in the TAC.
Sprat and Plaice
Nearing MSY Btrigger, the sprat biomass has dropped to its lowest level since 1990. Citing concerns about misreporting and uncertainties in recruitment forecasts, the Commission suggests keeping the 2025 TAC at 139,500 tonnes as a precautionary measure, even though ICES advice suggests a possible increase. We’ll keep the current spawning closure in place.
Following a recent benchmark assessment, ICES issued a single recommendation for the entire stock of plaice, recommending a -35% drop in catches. A more moderate cut of -3% is what the Commission suggests.
Salmon
Salmon river stocks are still in a very diverse state. ICES continues to recommend zero catches for salmon in the main basin (subdivisions 22–31). With a significant TAC reduction of -27%, the Commission suggests restricting fishing to inevitable by-catches. In order to protect vulnerable wild populations, targeted commercial coastal fisheries will only be permitted in subdivisions 29 North through 31 during the summer, with a suggested later start date of June. During the commercial fishing season, recreational salmon fishing will be banned, with the exception of these particular northern coastal areas.
Based on precautionary recommendations, the Commission suggests a modest +1% increase in the TAC for salmon in the Gulf of Finland.
The proposal now passes to the European Parliament and the Council for discussion and adoption.