The EU introduces more selective fishing gears to help rebuild Baltic Sea cod stocks, which will help reduce incidental bycatches of cod
In a decisive move to protect depleted cod stocks in the Baltic Sea, the European Union has adopted new legislation mandating the use of more selective fishing gears in flatfish fisheries.
The measures aim to reduce incidental cod catches by at least 55% in key areas, providing a critical lifeline for the recovery of the fragile stocks.
Aimed at Conservation: Key Changes in the Baltic
Cod fisheries in the Baltic Sea are currently closed due to severe stock depletion. Under the new rules, operators fishing in the main distribution areas of western and eastern Baltic cod stocks will be required to adopt innovative selective gears to allow cod to escape, including:
- A “roofless selection device,” which removes a section of the net’s top panel to let cod swim out.
- Modified nets, such as the T90 codend and square mesh codend, featuring larger mesh sizes.
The measures apply to ICES (International Council for the Exploration of the Sea) subdivisions 22-26, covering the cod’s core distribution zones.
Selective Gear: A Step Forward
The roofless selection device has been lauded for its efficiency in reducing cod bycatch. By removing a section of the net’s top panel, it allows most cod to escape, irrespective of size. Similarly, the modified T90 codend and square mesh codend, equipped with larger meshes, significantly enhance escape opportunities for cod while maintaining effectiveness for flatfish catches.
The Scientific, Technical, and Economic Committee for Fisheries (STECF) assessed these measures, confirming their ability to meet the EU’s target of reducing cod bycatch by 55%.
Technical Specifications for Gears
Under the new rules:
- Operators in ICES subdivisions 22-26 must use a roofless selection device combined with baseline gears, the T90 codend, or square mesh codend.
- In certain areas (ICES subdivisions 24-26), the modified T90 codend can be used independently.
The measures will be subject to annual review starting in 2028 to ensure they remain effective as cod stocks recover.
Timeline and Support for Implementation
The new regulations will come into effect on 9 April 2025, giving operators time to adapt their vessels. Funding support is available through the European Maritime, Fisheries, and Aquaculture Fund (EMFAF) to assist with gear updates.
Addressing a Broader Challenge
The Baltic cod crisis is attributed to multiple pressures, including overfishing, environmental changes, and habitat degradation. While the fishing sector is not the sole cause of the decline, reducing cod catches is seen as vital for enabling recovery.
The new measures align with the EU’s Common Fisheries Policy (CFP) and are part of a broader effort to sustainably manage marine resources.
Looking Ahead
The adoption of these selective gears reflects a critical shift towards sustainable fishing practices in the Baltic Sea. By reducing bycatch and promoting cod recovery, the EU’s approach could set a precedent for balancing conservation with economic activity in fisheries worldwide.
Source: Press Release