EU fisheries ministers are expected to reach a political agreement on Total Allowable Catches (TACs) and quotas for 2021 in the Baltic Sea at a ‘physical’ meeting to be held in Luxembourg on Monday 19 and Tuesday 20 October.
The proposed restrictions are quite severe, which promises to bring about some difficult negotiations given the socio-economic consequences in some countries. The European Commission’s proposal dates from the end of August (see EUROPE 12548/6).
The discussions will focus on four problematic stocks.
For herring caught in the central Baltic Sea, the European Commission proposes a 36% reduction in TACs compared to 2020: the stock is not within safe biological limits. The Baltic countries, citing serious socio-economic consequences of such reductions, hope to achieve a less drastic reduction in catch limits. Other countries, however, such as Sweden and Finland will support the Commission's proposal.
The stock size of the western herring remains below safe biological limits. The Commission proposes to reduce the TACs by 50%.
For Eastern Baltic cod, the Commission proposes measures similar to those set out for 2020 (a ban on recreational fishing in certain subdivisions, closed seasons, and a ban on the use of year-to-year flexibility for this stock) in addition to a drastic cut in the TAC solely for 'by-catches' (70% cut). Most of the delegations who are involved (except Denmark and Sweden) are calling for a more realistic level of by-catches. Sweden is also advocating a new design in relation to spawning closures.
As for western cod (11% reduction in the proposed TAC and extension of the existing closure in sub-area 24 for a further 2 months), some countries – such as Denmark and one of the Baltic countries – are calling for the TAC to be set at a level that will allow an increase of around 20% compared to 2020. Closure of fisheries is contested by various Member States including Denmark and Poland.
Finally, as regards sprat, almost all the delegations involved (Denmark, Baltic States, Finland, Sweden) advocate a slightly increased TAC (of around 5%), whereas the European Commission is proposing to renew the 2020 levels.
The German Presidency of the EU Council wishes to take into account scientific advice, the maximum sustainable yield (MSY) and the provisions of the multi-annual management plan for cod, herring and sprat stocks in Baltic waters. (Original version in French by Lionel Changeur)