Why the Baltic Sea’s Forage Fish Need Urgent Protection The Baltic Sea is changing, and so are the populations of the small fish at its heart. Forage fish such as sprat and herring are critical to the health of the Baltic Sea ecosystem. They serve as a vital food source for predators like cod, salmon, seabirds … Continued
This comprehensive Briefing Series, which was produced/supported by 29 environmental NGOs and recreational fisheries representatives, aims to assist decision-makers in the European Union (European Commission, Council of the EU, and Member States) and the United Kingdom (UK Government and devolved administrations) toward more sustainable and ecosystem-based decisions when setting fishing opportunities in a way that: Finally … Continued
On Wednesday, 28 May, the International Council for the Exploration of the Seas (ICES) published its scientific advice for fish stocks in the Baltic Sea. In response, environmental NGOs from around the Baltic Sea region urge the European Commission to propose, and fisheries ministers to adopt, fishing opportunities at levels well below the headline advice … Continued
Press release. Copenhagen, 28 May 2025. Key Baltic fish populations are in crisis, warn environmental NGOs. New scientific advice from the International Council for the Exploration of the Sea, ICES, confirms the poor condition of key Baltic fish populations, several of which remain collapsed (1). EU fisheries ministers must set 2026-catch limits well below ICES … Continued
Today, the annual scientific advice for 2026 fishing limits in the Baltic Sea was released by the International Council for the Exploration of the Sea (ICES). Below, we give a brief, stock-by-stock summary of the advice. Cod (Gadus morhua) in subdivisions 22–24, western Baltic stock (western Baltic Sea) ICES advises that there should be … Continued
The European Commission is gearing up to launch its ambitious EU Ocean Pact, structured around seven pillars, which aim to balance ecological protection with economic growth in marine sectors. A widely leaked draft shows ambition but insufficient follow-through. While its holistic approach is commendable, there are significant gaps between its promises and concrete suggestions for … Continued
The latest workshop of the Baltic Coast Dialog project was held on 3 April in Stockholm, Sweden, and was organised by FishSec. This event marked the final of four planned workshops in the Baltic Coast Dialog project, which aims to establish a network of international stakeholders dedicated to the protection and restoration of the Baltic … Continued
On December 11, 2024, EU fisheries ministers concluded negotiations on fishing quotas for 2025, covering stocks in the North Sea, Northeast Atlantic, and Mediterranean. Despite criticism from NGOs and a pending court case by Clean Coalition Baltic (CCB) concerning prior illegal quota decisions, the Council once again set quotas that disregard the EU’s multiannual plan (1). … Continued
Since 2018, the GFCM has been on the forefront of European eel management and conservation, taking steps going further than those adopted by the European Union, but today we must express some disappointment with the long-term measures adopted, considering the status of the population and the zero catch advice.
European eel remains critically endangered with recruitment under 10 % of historical levels. ICES published its scientific advice on fishing opportunities and conservation for European eel for 2025 today. As in previous years, the advise is zero catch for for all life stages, all uses and in all habitats. The conservation advice is to reduce other human-related mortalities to zero and restore habitats.