Fishing opportunities in the Baltic Sea 2012 – Fishupdate.com

THE European Commission has tabled its proposal on fishing opportunities in the Baltic Sea for 2012.

Based on scientific advice, the Commission proposes to increase TACs (total allowable catches) for both stocks of Baltic cod as well as for two stocks of herring (Western and the Gulf of Bothnia). Decreases for the remaining stocks, in particular salmon, are deemed necessary, given the poor state of the fish stocks in question.

The Commission also proposes to limit the number of days at sea for fishing vessels, to the levels established last year. The overall aim of the proposals is to make fisheries in the Baltic Sea environmentally and economically sustainable by following the recommendations of scientists.

European Commissioner for Maritime Affairs and Fisheries Maria Damanaki said: “This proposal takes care of the Baltic Sea fish stocks to preserve them for the benefit of current and future generations. We are trying to manage them in a responsible manner in line with the principles of our reform. Reaching our targeted Maximum Sustainable Yield will lead not only to healthier fish stocks, but also to better income and more jobs for the fisheries sector.”

The Commission’s proposal follows scientific advice from the Scientific, Technical and Economic Committee on Fisheries (STECF) and from International Council for the Exploration of the Seas (ICES). The Baltic Sea Regional Advisory Council (BSRAC) has been consulted on this proposal, on the basis of the Commission’s Consultation document from May (IP/11/638).

The present proposal will be discussed by the member states’ ministers at the October Fisheries Council.