German government seeks a ‘fair compromise’ for Baltic fishermen in EU negotiations

Berlin (dpa) – The German government is advocating for further fishing opportunities for German fishermen in the Baltic Sea next year. In negotiations at the EU level, they are pushing for a “good and fair compromise,” said a spokesperson for the Ministry of Agriculture in Berlin. The goal is to preserve German coastal fishing, as well as to ensure that stocks recover sustainably and are available in the long term. Plans presented by the EU Commission are now “the first proposal.” Future catch quotas will be decided in October.

To protect herring in the western Baltic Sea, the EU Commission has proposed an end to the exemption from a fishing ban. Overall, fishing opportunities for almost all stocks are expected to decrease significantly by 2026. German Baltic Sea fishermen are currently allowed to target herring with small boats and passive gear such as gillnets. Additionally, a certain amount may be caught as “bycatch” while fishing for other species. 

The Ministry of Agriculture explained that it advocates for sustainable management of stocks based on scientific recommendations in the annual negotiations. This means: no measures that are not necessary for stock recovery, but would put German coastal fishing under severe pressure – especially for herring and cod. Generally, there have already been significant advances towards more sustainability in fishing in the Baltic Sea. (August 27)