News
October 3, 2008
CFP Reform preparations to “kick-start”
At an informal EU Fisheries Council Meeting in Brussels on September 29, Commissioner Joe Borg and member state ministers agreed to “kick-start” immediate preparations for the proposed reform of the Common Fisheries Policy (CFP), due for completion in 2012, the Commission announced. The meeting preceded the formal assembly for the agriculture and fisheries ministers concluded … Continued
September 30, 2008
Workshop on Great Barrier Reef management – lessons to be learned
Lessons to be learned and inspiration to be gained for states around the Baltic from successful management work at the Australian Great Barrier Reef – that was the object of a WWF-sponsored workshop/seminar in Stockholm on September 22. Present were three key figures in the establishment of the 2004 new zoning plan – Australia’s then … Continued
September 12, 2008
International conference on aquaculture
The international growth of aquaculture activities, and its effect on sustainability, was discussed at the International Aquaculture Conference 10-11 September in Brussels. The key objective of the conference was to examine ways that aquaculture can be compatible with other policies such as development and trade, while keeping to the objectives of sustainability. The conference was … Continued
September 12, 2008
Important illegal fishing trial underway in Sweden
Sixteen fishermen are on trial for illegally landing 109 tonnes of cod in 2005, to a total value of almost €186,110, and passing it off as pollack in order to circumvent EU quotas limiting cod fishing. So far, only three fishermen have admitted unlawful activity in one of Sweden’s largest ever fish poaching cases. The … Continued
September 9, 2008
European Commission tables proposal on 2009 fishing opportunities for the Baltic Sea
Yesterday the European Commission tabled its proposal on 2009 fishing opportunities in the Baltic Sea. The proposal states that most stocks in the Baltic Sea should be subject to reduced catches in 2009. This is especially true for the Western cod stock, which requires serious attention to prevent further decline. The Commission’s proposal reflects the … Continued
August 29, 2008
Overfishing influences the evolution of Baltic cod
A study published today suggests that Baltic cod caught near shore in the Stone Age were much larger than those harvested by trawlers in 21 century. The study called ‘Prehistoric vs. modern Baltic Sea cod fisheries: observations across the millennia’ was carried out by Karin Limburg at SUNY College of Environmental Science and Forestry (ESF) … Continued
August 21, 2008
Discarding of fish caught on film
The Guardian recently published the footage of a vessel sighted while openly discarding more than 5,000 kg of cod and other dead white fish, or nearly 80% of its catch. Discarding of unwanted catch of is one of the most serious threats to sustainable management of fish stocks. The incident was documented by the Norwegian … Continued
August 14, 2008
Story of the Gold Fish – Raising public awareness through street performances
Klub Gaja presents the story of the Gold Fish, a creative happening which illustrates the problems associated with overfishing. The event, which can be seen on the Internet, is part of a larger project which focuses on the protection of threatened fish species, such as cod and salmon. It is based upon the tale The Little … Continued
August 5, 2008
Cod population important factor in reducing algal blooms in the Baltic Sea
A recently published study by researchers at the Swedish Board of Fisheries among others, suggests a link between the reduced size of the cod population and the increase in algal blooms in the Baltic Sea. Using field data collected during a 33-year period, the researchers conclude that the dramatic reduction of the cod population has … Continued
July 28, 2008
Educational exhibition travels the coast of Poland
An educational exhibition showing the environmental problems associated with cod fishing in the Baltic Sea, the management of fish resources and the issue of illegal fishing, is touring the coast of Poland. The exhibition aims at informing the Polish public about the declining cod stock in the Baltic as a result of overfishing and hopes … Continued