An event organised by (LIFE heard how five-years on, the Baltic Sea emergency has become the “norm”. Photo: LIFE
Better science, fair fisheries, and a Cod Recovery Plan for the Baltic urgently needed, concludes event by Low Impact Fishers of Europe (LIFE)
An event organised by the Low Impact Fishers of Europe (LIFE) marked five years since the European Commission’s emergency measures closed the cod fishery to save the Eastern Baltic cod stock from collapse.
The Brussels initiative gathered decision-makers, European Commission and Member State officials, politicians, scientists, sector stakeholders, and small-scale fishing community representatives. They addressed the critical state of Baltic cod stocks, prey shortages, increased predation, socioeconomic impacts of extended closures, and worsening environmental conditions. Despite the 2019 emergency cod closure, there has been no recovery, leaving the fishing sector’s future bleak.
The workshop highlighted the Baltic cod stock status and the 2016 Baltic Multiannual Management Plan (MAP) shortcomings. Representatives Bengt Larsson (SYEF, Sweden) and David Lange (FSK, Denmark) shared the devastating effects on small-scale fisheries. Rainer Froese (GEOMAR Institute) discussed the failures of current fisheries science and management practices, emphasising the need for revised strategies and precautionary measures. “The failure of fisheries management is rooted in two main issues: quotas still go to high-impact fishing and benefit the fishmeal industry, and science providing management advice does not use internationally recognised BMSY standards, leading to reduced fish populations and a dysfunctional ecosystem,” stated Marta Cavallé, LIFE Executive Secretary.
A dynamic panel discussion included policymakers, experts, and fishers from DG Mare, the European Parliament, Member States, and NGOs. They called for effective implementation of existing plans and robust actions to improve the Baltic marine environment. LIFE urges ICES to use BMSY in scientific advice and prioritise stock growth. The European Commission and Member States must support small-scale fishing communities by revising the Baltic MAP, targeting cod recovery, reducing fishing pressure on cod prey, and re-assigning quotas to encourage low-impact fishing.