Press Release: 2007 Baltic fish quotas: Commission proposes reductions on cod and salmon and increases on herring and sprat

On 5 September 2006, the European Commission tabled a proposal on fishing possibilities and associated conditions for a number of fish stocks in the Baltic Sea for 2007. While the state of most Baltic fish stocks remains fairly good, in particular the major herring stock in the central Baltic, scientists still express serious concern about the condition of the cod stocks. They have again recommended the closure of the Eastern Baltic cod fishery until a management plan is set up. On 24 July, the Commission adopted a multi-annual plan to rebuild and maintain cod stocks in the Baltic Sea at safe biological levels. It is expected that this plan will come into force in 2007. Instead of a closure, therefore, the Commission proposes continuing with a gradual approach involving a 15% reduction in cod catches as provided for in the multi-annual plan. An overall increase is, however, proposed in herring and sprat catches and no change on plaice. This proposal should be discussed at the October Fisheries Council.