News
August 28, 2023
Commission proposes fishing opportunities for 2024 in the Baltic Sea
On the 28th of August 2023 the European Commission released its proposal for the Fishing Opportunities in the Baltic Sea 2024. This is their press release: “Today, the Commission has adopted its proposal for the 2024 fishing opportunities for the Baltic Sea in response to a scientific assessment that indicates several fisheries are in … Continued
July 13, 2023
European Parliament passes nature restoration law
On 12 July, Members of the European Parliament (MEPs) approved one of the key laws for protection of nature – the nature restoration law, after months of heated debate. On 12 July, Members of the European Parliament (MEPs) approved one of the key laws for protection of nature – the nature restoration law, after months … Continued
June 19, 2023
Joint NGO recommendations on Baltic Sea fishing opportunities for 2024
The Baltic Sea ecosystem is in severe distress and the major commercial fish stocks have never been in worse condition. In October 2023, EU fisheries ministers will agree on fishing opportunities in the Baltic Sea for 2024. We have provided joint NGO recommendations on Baltic Sea fishing opportunities for 2024 in the context of environmental regulations, EU … Continued
June 3, 2023
Scientific Advice states that Baltic Sea herring stocks are below safe levels. NGOs: “stop while there is still time”
On May 31st, the International Council for the Exploration of the Seas (ICES) published its scientific advice. Adding to an already dire situation for cod, ICES now advises that drastic cuts in fishing for Baltic herring are also necessary. NGOs and small scale fishermen alike react with calls for urgent action to taken by decision … Continued
June 3, 2023
Challenging the MSY paradigm: the importance of a healthy size distribution.
On 25 April 2023, the Forum on Recreational Fisheries and Aquatic Environment organised an event on the Maximum Sustainable Yield (MSY) instrument in regard of a sustainable fish stock structure management. The conference was chaired by MEP Caroline Roose and MEP Isabel Carvalhais and took place in the European Parliament and online. This is … Continued
April 25, 2023
New report: Empowering EU Fisheries Policy to Restore Marine Health, Tackle Climate Change and Create Jobs
On the 19th of April 2023 a new report from Our Fish and Vertigo Lab was launched: Empowering EU Fisheries Policy to Restore Marine Health, Tackle Climate Change and Create Jobs.The launch webinar, attended by FishSec, can be viewed here. The executive summary and full report can be found below. EXECUTIVE SUMMARY The European … Continued
February 13, 2023
SLU-study show negative trend of pike populations in the Baltic Sea
A study conducted by the Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, SLU, with the main purpose to assess temporal trends in the coastal pike population in the Baltic Sea was published in January. The study shows a clear population decrease over time with data covering 8 different countries over a period of 15-20 years. Earlier studies … Continued
February 3, 2023
Denmark and EU to fund extensive studies on the impact of bottom trawls
How is the seabed affected when you use bottom-trawls and how different is the impact depending on what bottom dragging tool you choose? The Danish Ministry of Food, Agriculture and Fisheries invests 16 million DKK in a new study focusing on the consequences of bottom-trawling and other questions in a study that will examine the … Continued
January 25, 2023
New report examines long-term effects of no-take zones in Swedish waters
Marine protected areas (MPAs) are increasingly established worldwide to protect and restore degraded ecosystems. However, the level of protection varies among MPAs and has been found to affect the outcome of the closure. In no-take zones (NTZs), no fishing or extraction of marine organisms is allowed. The EU Commission recently committed to protect 30% of … Continued
January 25, 2023
PECH hearing on the perfomance of the Baltic MAP
With the 2002 reform of the common fishery policy (CFP), multiannual management plans started to replace the year-to-year management of fish stocks in European Community waters. Social and economic factors play an important role in determining the success or the failure of these plans. A successful multiannual management plan is one that not only ensures … Continued