Press Release: Commission: Council decision is good for Baltic cod

The European Commission has welcomed the agreement reached on 23 October 2007 by the Council of Fisheries Ministers meeting in Luxembourg on fishing opportunities for 2008 in the Baltic Sea. On the two key cod stocks, which have been in poor biological condition for many years, ministers agreed a combination of cuts in total allowable catches (TACs) and days at sea (fishing effort) which should ensure both more sustainable fisheries and better application of the rules. For Eastern Baltic cod, the TAC will be cut by 5% to 38 765 tonnes, while days at sea are reduced by 20% to 178 days. For Western Baltic cod, the TAC will be reduced by 28% to 19 221 tonnes, while days at sea are cut by 10% to 223 days.