German fishermen criticise the Baltic Sea quota reductions agreed at the recent AGRIFISH Council, but praise member states for intervention
The Verband der Deutschen Kutter- und Küstenfischer e.V. (Association of German Cutter and Coastal Fishermen) has expressed strong concerns over the EU Commission’s proposal to further reduce fishing quotas in the Baltic Sea for 2025.
The association praised EU member states for resisting the Commission’s more drastic measures, which it believes would have severely impacted the already fragile state of coastal fisheries, particularly those targeting declining stocks of cod and western herring.
Cod fishing has been restricted to bycatch only due to the critical condition of the stock. While the EU Commission pushed for even greater cuts, member states ensured a minimal quota for small-scale herring fisheries was retained to support local market supplies. Leading scientists had criticised the EU’s proposals as mere “symbolic politics,” arguing they would damage coastal communities without significantly improving fish stock recovery.
In addition to the reduction of sprat quotas, the association warned of potential repercussions, such as Russia increasing its own catches in the central Baltic Sea. The association also pointed to environmental factors, such as increased predation by cormorants, which are not considered in current stock assessments. They emphasised the importance of preserving both fishing competence and infrastructure to avoid losing the industry’s capabilities, which would increase Germany’s reliance on seafood imports.
The Association stressed that a balanced approach is needed to ensure the long-term sustainability of fisheries without undermining the livelihoods of coastal fishing communities.
Source: Press Release