Danish Fishermen’s Association chief, Svend-Erik Andersen has voiced concern over Baltic Sea quota cuts for 2025 approved by the EU Council
The Danish fishing community is expressing deep concern after the EU’s Council of Ministers announced further reductions in fishing quotas for the Baltic Sea in 2025.
Despite fishing activities in the region already being heavily restricted, the Council’s decision has sparked fears that it could be the final blow to what remains of the industry in the area.
Svend-Erik Andersen, Chairman of the Danish Fishermen’s Association, described the situation as “very serious,” adding that the ongoing reduction in fishing opportunities could lead to the complete collapse of the fishing sector in the Baltic. He noted, “Year after year, we have followed the biologists’ recommendations, and yet we are still facing an environmental disaster. It’s time to address all the factors contributing to the state of the Baltic Sea.”
Andersen pointed out the key challenges facing the Baltic cod population, which has been declining for years. Despite a ban on targeted cod fishing, the stock remains in poor condition. This year, the already modest bycatch quota for cod has been slashed by 22% to just 266 tonnes in the western Baltic.
The Danish Fisheries Association highlights that other pressures, such as nutrient runoff, seals, and cormorants, are severely affecting fish stocks, far more than fishing activities. Andersen stated that efforts to control these factors have been lacking, and further cuts to fishing quotas alone are unlikely to improve stock conditions.
Allan Buch, Vice Chairman of the Danish Fishermen’s Association and Chairman of the Belt Fisheries Association, echoed the frustrations, criticising regulations that prevent sustainable fishing of species like plaice. “These rules make no difference to the cod stock but prevent fishing for plaice during the best periods,” Buch said.
Buch also raised concerns about the future of the industry, suggesting that the government may need to explore financial support for fishermen forced to lay up their vessels. “You can’t expect people to make a living from fishing when there are no fish to catch,” he concluded.
As the EU continues to implement strict quotas, Danish fishermen are calling for a broader approach that addresses environmental factors beyond fishing, which are crucial to the future of the Baltic Sea’s ecosystems and the livelihoods of those who depend on them.