Germany: 2024 will also be challenging for the Baltic Sea fishery

There is reason for hope when it comes to western herring - the stock is showing the first signs of recovery. In order to strengthen this, reconstruction measures will be continued. Germany was able to successfully ensure that small-scale coastal fishing for western herring using passive fishing gear such as gill nets and traps is still possible. The cod stocks, on the other hand, continue to suffer from a variety of negative environmental influences and the consequences of the climate crisis: According to scientific assessments, it is currently unclear whether and when they will reach a healthy population size again. The Council has therefore decided to reduce the permissible cod bycatch for the western Baltic Sea and to suspend recreational fishing for cod in 2024. Together with other member states, Germany has advocated for recreational fishing for cod to be possible again as soon as scientific catch recommendations allow this. Regarding the quota decision for the Baltic Sea, ...