Germany has offered a cautious response to the European Commission’s proposals regarding fishing opportunities in the Baltic Sea for 2026.
A ministry spokesperson, speaking in Berlin, described the Commission’s document as a preliminary proposal, emphasizing that it will be subject to discussion at the EU level before a final decision is reached in October by the Council for Agriculture and Fisheries. Germany, the spokesperson stated, consistently advocates for the sustainable management of fish stocks based on scientific advice.
The country is resistant to measures that it deems unnecessary for stock recovery, particularly if they would significantly pressure the German coastal fishing industry. This is especially true, the spokesperson noted, concerning herring and cod. Substantial progress towards greater sustainability in Baltic Sea fisheries has already been achieved and Germany is seeking a balanced and equitable compromise on quotas that ensures both the continuation of domestic fishing activities and the long-term, sustainable recovery of fish stocks.
Minister Alois Rainer is also focused on providing a viable future for the coastal fishing industry. Beyond simply allowing continued operation, the ministry believes that fishing businesses require avenues for further development, given the broader challenges facing the sector and the diminishing number of fisheries in Germany. The aim is to preserve the industry while also fostering its evolution.
The EU Commission presented its proposal for fishing opportunities the previous day, with overall catch limits for nearly all fish stocks slated for substantial reductions in the coming year. Furthermore, the potential end of the exemption from the fishing ban for herring in the western Baltic Sea is again under consideration. EU Commissioner for Fisheries and Oceans, Costas Kadis, recently cited the “poor state of Baltic fish stocks” as justification for stringent management.