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DRAFT REPORT (2024/2127(INI))

On the multiannual plan for the Baltic Sea and ways forward

PECH-PR-778399

Committee on Fisheries · Rapporteur: Isabella Lövin

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This draft report on the multiannual plan for the Baltic Sea calls for urgent action to recover fish stocks, including precautionary buffers, ecosystem-based advice, and legal changes to the Baltic MAP Regulation. It urges the Commission and Council to use existing legal tools, set TACs at least 50% below FMSY for stocks below trigger levels, and consider emergency measures and closures. It calls for revising scientific advice to be ecosystem-based, with precautionary buffers and ecosystem caps, and for revising the Baltic MAP Regulation to include ecosystem reference points. It also proposes reintroducing a ban on fisheries for non-human consumption and a moratorium on industrial trawling in certain areas.

Committee position. The rapporteur proposes a resolution calling for urgent actions to recover Baltic fish stocks, including precautionary buffers, ecosystem-based advice, and legal changes to the Baltic MAP Regulation.

Key points

  1. Calls on the Commission and Council to use all available legal tools to prevent further deterioration and risk of total collapse of Baltic fish stocks.
  2. Urges the Commission to move from business-as-usual to a recovery and rebuilding phase for Baltic fisheries.
  3. Calls for precautionary buffers and urges the Council to set TACs at least 50% below FMSY on stocks below trigger levels.
  4. Calls on Member States and the Commission to consider emergency measures and analyze costs and benefits of closing most fisheries.
  5. Calls for remedial measures including fish stock recovery areas and closures of spawning and nursery areas.
  6. Urges the Commission to ask ICES for ecosystem-based, multi-species advice with ecosystem-based reference points and precautionary buffers.
  7. Calls for all stock assessments to use BMSY biomass reference points and for advice highlighting risks from climate change.
  8. Calls for revision of harvest control rules and development of guidance on interpreting scientific advice.
  9. Calls for transparent TAC-setting rules and annual reports from the Council explaining decisions.
  10. Urges revision of the Baltic MAP Regulation to include ecosystem reference points and environmental response mechanisms.
  11. Calls for creation of a Baltic Sea ecosystem management group and a stakeholder advisory platform.
  12. Calls for reintroducing the ban on fisheries for non-human consumption and a moratorium on industrial trawling in coastal and shallow zones and marine protected areas.

Who is affected

  • Commercial fishers in the Baltic Sea, especially small-scale coastal fishers, who face reduced quotas and closures.
  • Industrial fisheries for fish meal and oil, which may face a ban on non-human consumption fisheries.
  • Member States and the Commission, responsible for setting TACs and implementing measures.
  • Baltic Sea ecosystem and its species, targeted for recovery and protection.

Figures and deadlines

  • 92% of vessels in the Baltic Sea are small-scale coastal fisheries, landing 7% of total weight but 22% of landed value.
  • In Sweden and Finland, only 10% and 17% of catches respectively are used for direct human consumption.
  • TACs should be set at least 50% below FMSY on stocks below trigger levels.