European Commission proposes 2027 Baltic Sea fishing quotas

The European Commission has proposed fishing opportunities for the Baltic Sea for 2027, targeting ten managed fish stocks. The proposal is based on scientific assessments regarding the critical state of various species and aims to support the recovery of certain stocks.

Key proposed increases include a 49% rise in the total allowable catch (TAC) for central Baltic herring, a 44% increase for sprat, an 11% increase for Gulf of Riga herring, and a 3% increase for Bothnian herring. For sprat, the Commission also proposes lifting the three-month fishing ban during the spawning period.

Conversely, the proposal seeks to reduce unavoidable bycatch for several species due to poor stock conditions. This includes an 88% reduction for western Baltic cod, a 51% reduction for eastern Baltic cod, and a 45% reduction for western Baltic herring. While some herring stocks show signs of growth, they remain below sustainable levels.