Press Release: Commission: Quota cuts needed in most Baltic Sea fisheries in 2008

The European Commission has tabled a proposal on fishing possibilities and associated measures for a number of fish stocks in the Baltic Sea for 2008. The condition of the two cod stocks continue to give serious cause for concern, with the Western stock which was formerly the stronger of the two having again fallen outside safe biological limits. Scientists have also advised that the survival rate of young salmon is deteriorating, and that there is a need to restrain catches compared to current levels. On the positive side, the state of the central Baltic herring stock remains good. The proposed TACs and measures for cod are based on the provisions of the multi-annual plan to rebuild and maintain Baltic cod stocks, which was agreed by Council in June this year. The present proposal for fishing possibilities should be discussed at the October Fisheries Council.