The European Parliament and the Council have reached an agreement on a multi-annual plan for cod, herring and sprat in the Baltic Sea at a trilogue meeting this week, following a European Commission proposal in 2014.
The long-term plan aims to end over fishing of cod, sprat and herring stocks in the Baltic Sea. Cod eat sprats and herrings while herrings and sprats feed on the eggs of cod, meaning the health of one stock affects the others. Currently, only cod are subject to a management plan. It will combine the management of cod, herring and sprat stocks into a single plan to take into account their interdependence and ensure they are sustainably managed.
Commissioner Vella, responsible for Environment, Maritime Affairs and Fisheries, said:
“I am very pleased that Member States and the European Parliament have reached an agreement on the multi-annual plan for the Baltic, the first such plan under our reformed Common Fisheries Policy. The plan sets the basis for the sustainable management of the most important fish stocks in the Baltic Sea. As such, it is good news for Baltic fish stocks and for the fishermen who depend on them for their livelihood.”
Source: ec.europa.eu
