Press Release: Commission proposes multi-annual plan to rebuild Baltic cod stocks

On 24 July 2006 the Commission adopted a proposal on a multi-annual plan for the two cod stocks in the Baltic Sea and the fisheries exploiting those stocks. There are two distinct cod stocks in the Baltic Sea, which are fished by the same fleets, often in the course of a single trip out to sea. Scientists have long advised that the eastern stock is overfished to the point where it is threatened with collapse, while the western stock, though in slightly better condition, is fished at a very high level which gives yields well below the long-term potential. In addition, there is a chronic problem with the underreporting of the real catch level – 35-45% of the eastern stock according to estimates from the International Council for the Exploration of the Sea (ICES). The aim of the plan is to gradually but surely reduce fishing mortality on the two stocks to levels advised by scientists so as to provide stable fishing possibilities and high yields in the long term. This will be achieved through a combination of stepwise reductions in fishing mortality and a progressive effort limitation scheme which is easy to control and enforce.