Council Regulation fixing for 2018 the fishing opportunities for certain fish and groups of fish stocks in the Baltic Sea

Background and further information:

The Commission puts on the table an increase of the catches for Central Herring, Sprat and the Main Basin Salmon stocks, and to maintain the number of catches for the stock of Western Baltic Cod. For the remaining stocks the Commission proposes reducing catches. The proposal also includes a ban on Baltic Eel fisheries due to alarming scientific evidence and historically low levels.

The proposed total allowable catches (TAC) for herring, cod, sprat and salmon stocks were based on scientific advice from the International Council on the Exploration of the Seas and follow the Baltic multiannual management plan adopted in 2016. The proposal is part of the European Union's approach to adjust the levels of fishing to long-term sustainability targets, or maximum sustainable yield (MSY) by 2020 as agreed by Member States and the European Parliament in the Common Fisheries Policy. The Commission's proposal is also in line with the policy intentions expressed in the Commission's Communication on Fishing Opportunities for 2018.

The Council of the European Union was scheduled to examine and adopt the Commission's proposal in October 2017.

The European Commission put forward on 29 August its proposal for a Council Regulation on fishing opportunities in the Baltic Sea for 2018.

EUR-Lex: COM(2017)461: Follow the progress of this proposal through the decision-making procedure http://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/HIS/?uri=COM:2017:461:FIN

European Commission: DG Communication: IP/17/2921, 29.08.17: Commission proposes Baltic Sea fishing opportunities for 2018 with increased quotas for herring and salmon http://europa.eu/rapid/press-release_IP-17-2921_en.htm

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