The process of deciding on next year’s fishing quotas has started. Decisions will be taken in the fall.
The decision basis indicates a quota increase, more and more people are critical of how the basis is produced, Sweden has great influence this year. The Baltic Sea Treaty wants to see a total stop to large-scale industrial fishing in line with the precautionary principle.
As we have previously noted, the forecast of maximum sustainable yield (MSY) commissioned by the European Commission has indicated increased quotas for 2026! However, researchers as well as organizations and politicians have pointed out shortcomings in the forecast and associated advice and how it is used, or rather not used, for example in terms of risk assessments. Among other things, Sweden has proposed changes in the design of the EU Commission’s advisory mission to the International Council for the Exploration of the Sea (ICES). The proposal received a lukewarm reception from the other Baltic Sea countries, but it still shows that influence works and that influence is needed in more Baltic Sea countries.
Sweden now holds the presidency of Baltfish and thus has a major influence on quota setting in the Baltic Sea. The European Commission has also launched a public consultation, seeking views on fishing quotas and quota setting. In addition, the EU has initiated work on a maritime pact, where the Baltic Sea is a designated priority area. Work on the Baltic Sea within this framework will start this year.
A number of constructive proposals have emerged from the debate on fishing quotas. These include contingency measures as well as economic and cultural ones. We would like to draw particular attention to the proposal for contingency quotas, i.e. quotas that are saved in the sea for use in the event of crisis and war. These would have a real impact on stocks and strengthen the ecosystem.
The fish stocks are still vulnerable, but we see signs that it is possible to influence the system and that the forces that want to change this are getting stronger. We at the Baltic Sea Contract are highly committed to the issue, we hope you will help us by spreading the contract further, each new contract makes our voice stronger and increases our influence on politicians, authorities and others.
It is still possible to participate in the European Commission’s consultations and make your voice heard!
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