Commission proposes fishing opportunities for the Baltic Sea for 2027

TALLINN - The European Commission on Monday adopted its proposal for fishing opportunities in the Baltic Sea for 2027.

The proposal establishes the total allowable catches (TACs) and quotas for ten fish stocks managed by the EU in the Baltic Sea. The Commission proposed to increase fishing opportunities for Bothnian herring (3 percent), central Baltic herring (49 percent), Gulf of Riga herring (11 percent), and sprat (44 percent).

The catch limits for plaice, and for salmon in the main basin and the Gulf of Finland, would remain unchanged compared to this year. Additionally, based on recent reports from Member States, the Commission proposes to reduce the TACs for unavoidable by-catches of western Baltic cod (88 percent), eastern Baltic cod (51 percent), and western Baltic herring (45 percent).

The proposed TACs are based on the best available scientific advice from the International Council for the Exploration of the Sea (ICES) and follow the Baltic Sea multiannual management plan, adopted by the European Parliament and the Council in 2016.

For eastern Baltic cod, the Commission has proposed to maintain the unavoidable by-catch limit that has been in place for several years, along with all accompanying measures. However, as the stock remains in poor condition, the by-catch limit should be adjusted based on the by-catch volume reported by each Member State in 2025.

Although scientists first warned about the poor state of the cod stock in 2019, the measures taken since then have not improved the situation. The situation for western Baltic cod is similar. Therefore, the Commission proposes adjusting the total allowable by-catch to account for the deteriorating state of the stock and maintaining all accompanying measures.

The size of the western Baltic herring stock remains significantly below the minimum level. The Commission proposes to eliminate the exemption for small-scale coastal fishing and adjust the total allowable catch to cover only unavoidable by-catches.

The Bothnian herring stocks are larger than previously projected but still remain below sustainable levels. To continue the stock's recovery, the Commission proposes setting a TAC level that keeps the fishing mortality rate stable and increases the fish stocks. The Commission also proposes to maintain the three-month fishing ban in shallow coastal waters during the spawning season.

Central Baltic herring stocks have increased but remain below sustainable levels. Thanks to a large estimated recruitment, ICES forecasts an improvement in the stock's condition. To continue the stock's recovery, the Commission proposes a precautionary approach, setting the TAC at a level that keeps the fishing mortality rate stable. Additionally, the Commission proposes to maintain the three-month fishing ban in shallow coastal waters in spawning areas.

Gulf of Riga herring is in good condition, and the Commission proposes to set the catch limits at the maximum level recommended by ICES.

While scientific advice suggests a slight increase in the TAC for plaice, the Commission proposes leaving it unchanged due to the poor condition of certain other fish stocks. Additionally, new measures for fishing flatfish, including plaice, came into effect last year. These measures help improve the sustainability of the flatfish fishery and reduce the frequent unwanted by-catch of cod.

After several difficult years, sprat stocks have increased significantly thanks to good recruitment. According to ICES, the stock is projected to increase even further. Therefore, the Commission proposes setting the TAC at the maximum recommended level and ending the three-month fishing closure in spawning areas.

As ICES has not published new advice for 2027, the Commission proposes to maintain the TAC levels and associated conditions for the two salmon stocks, with the exception of recreational fishing for farmed salmon, which should be discontinued.

Based on the Commission's proposals, EU Member States will make the final decision on the maximum quantities of the most important commercial fish species that can be caught in the Baltic Sea. The Council will review the Commission's proposal with the aim of reaching a political agreement in October. The decision will be formally adopted by the Council in November.