The European Commission has put forward sharp reductions in fishing quotas for 2026 in the Baltic Sea, citing a worrying decline in many stocks. The proposal, based on scientific advice from the International Council for the Exploration of the Sea (ICES), highlights that several fish populations are at risk of collapse.

Western and eastern cod are among the most brutal hit. The Commission suggests an 84% reduction in western cod catches and a 63% cut for eastern cod. Western Baltic herring would be halved, while Bothnian herring faces a 62% drop. These reductions are aimed at preventing stocks from falling below critical levels.

Limited good news

Not all changes are negative. Salmon catches in the Gulf of Finland are expected to increase by 1%. At the same time, central Baltic herring and sprat quotas are set to remain unchanged. For herring in the Gulf of Riga, the Commission recommends a 17% reduction. Plaice quotas would also be trimmed by 3%.

Measures to help recovery

To boost recovery, the Commission proposes three-month spawning closures for Bothnian and central Baltic herring, as well as sprat. For salmon in the Baltic central basin, fishing opportunities would be reduced by 27%. Additional restrictions include delaying the start of some fishing seasons and banning recreational fishing for reared salmon.

The Commission also wants to phase out exemptions for small-scale coastal fishers, particularly for western Baltic herring. Alternative fishing gear, introduced earlier this year, is expected to cut down cod bycatch in flatfish fisheries.

A fragile ecosystem

The Baltic Sea is already considered the most polluted sea in Europe, suffering from overfishing, high nutrient loads, and climate pressures.

“Too many fish stocks are close to collapsing and the ecosystem is worsening,” warned Fisheries Commissioner Costas Kadis. “We must rebuild fish stocks and reinforce the ecosystem in the Baltic. This must be a joint effort”.

EU fisheries ministers will discuss the proposals and are expected to agree on final quotas at a meeting in late October.