EAPO urges pragmatic 2026 TACs for Baltic Sea fisheries, citing climate, predation, pollution and stock uncertainties
EAPO Warns Against Placing Sole Burden on Fishermen
The European Association of Fish Producers Organisations (EAPO) has called for a more balanced, ecosystem-based approach to 2026 catch limits in the Baltic Sea, arguing that non-fishing factors continue to undermine recovery of key stocks.
In a position paper published on 17 July 2025, the group responded to ICES scientific advice by supporting several Total Allowable Catch (TAC) increases but rejected zero-catch recommendations for multiple species.
EAPO noted that three of the ten assessed stocks — western cod, eastern cod and western spring-spawning herring — face zero-catch advice under the precautionary approach, while others, such as plaice and Gulf of Bothnia herring, face significant reductions.
However, EAPO stated that fish population declines in the Baltic are increasingly driven by external pressures including eutrophication, pollution, offshore wind development, cormorant and seal predation, and climate change.
“A comprehensive ecosystem-based approach is needed,” EAPO stated, calling for integrated action to restore fish habitats and populations “without placing the responsibility on fishermen alone.”
Rejecting Zero-Catch Advice for Cod and Herring
The group expressed strong concern over the continued zero-catch advice for western Baltic cod (SDs 22–24) and eastern Baltic cod (SDs 24–32).
EAPO advocates maintaining bycatch allowances of 266 tonnes and 430 tonnes respectively, arguing that this would allow vessels targeting other species to continue operating.
Similarly, for western Baltic spring-spawning herring (SDs 20–24), EAPO called for a rollover of the 788-tonne bycatch TAC from 2025, rejecting a full closure.
Fishermen, the group said, have reported high herring abundance in the region, and ICES itself has noted uncertainties in the stock assessment.
The association urged Member States to account for “non-fisheries conservation considerations” by incorporating spawning habitat protection into marine spatial planning and nature restoration efforts.
It also demanded that recreational catches be recorded and integrated into stock models.
Supporting Increases for Sprat, Central Herring and Salmon
EAPO welcomed the recommended 36% TAC increase for Baltic sprat (SDs 22–32), proposing an EU TAC of 207,282 tonnes after accounting for Russia’s 10.08% share.
The organisation said that observations at sea supported the scientific findings, citing a strong year class and high recruitment — the best in a decade.
However, Swedish fishermen expressed caution, recommending a lower quota to protect stock development.
For central Baltic herring (SDs 25–29, 32), EAPO supported a 26% TAC increase to 139,532 tonnes, following a rise in spawning stock biomass.
But Swedish pelagic fishermen again urged caution, arguing that faster recovery was vital for both stocks and markets.
In the case of Gulf of Bothnia herring (SDs 30–31), EAPO recommended setting the TAC at the lower range of the advice — 55,869 tonnes — and called for seal and cormorant mortality to be included in stock models.
On salmon, EAPO supported an MSY-based TAC of 30,000 Atlantic salmon for SDs 22–31 and 11,800 for SD 32 in the Gulf of Finland.
However, it highlighted that quotas were often underutilised due to restrictive regulations, and called for fairer access for Danish vessels currently excluded from offshore salmon fisheries.
Concerns Over ICES Assessment Methods and Environmental Pressures
Across its recommendations, EAPO repeatedly questioned the utility of rigid application of MSY or precautionary rules in isolation from broader ecological and socio-economic contexts.
It stressed the growing need to factor in predator pressure, habitat degradation and anthropogenic environmental changes when designing management measures.
On plaice (SDs 22–32), where ICES merged two stocks and cut catch advice by 35%, EAPO supported the new 10,971-tonne TAC but demanded a wider discussion on cod bycatch rules that restrict plaice exploitation.
“Fishers have made considerable efforts to restrict activity over the years, but management measures alone are not delivering results,” EAPO stated, pointing to climate change, pollution and offshore infrastructure as key drivers of ecological stress.
The position paper comes as the European Commission prepares its proposals for 2026 Baltic Sea fishing opportunities, expected later this summer.