EU Allows Baltic Fishermen to Continue Herring Catch in 2025

Despite concerns over fish stocks, an EU agreement permits small-scale fishermen to target herring while reducing cod bycatch.

German Baltic fishermen can use small boats and passive gear to catch herring under an extended EU exemption.
Germany's Fisheries Minister Cem Özdemir advocated for the continuation of this exception, opposing the EU Commission's proposal to end it.
The agreement reached in Luxembourg mandates a reduction in cod bycatch in the western Baltic Sea.
Environmentalists have long warned about the impact of climate change, pollution, and overfishing on Baltic fish stocks.
EU nations annually decide fishing limits based on the EU Commission's proposals, informed by scientific advice from the International Council for the Exploration of the Sea.