Support and criticism for Commission proposal for Baltic Sea fishing 2020

CCB • September 4, 2019

Helsinki, 4 Sept 2019 – Environmental NGOs The Finnish Association for Nature Conservation , Coalition Clean Baltic and the Fisheries Secretariat welcome the fact that the European Commission proposal for fishing opportunities for 2020 in the Baltic Sea follows scientific advice for the majority of the Baltic Sea fish stocks. However, NGOs strongly question the proposals for a number of stocks, which have not followed the scientific advice, like salmon, western herring and eastern cod.

“ The scientific advice on main basin Baltic salmon clearly states that commercial landings should be 58 900 salmons. The Commission proposal of 86 575 salmons is not inline with that advice. Ministers at the October Council should follow the scientific advice on Baltic salmon, not the Commission proposal “, said Tapani Veistola Senior Advisor at the Finnish Association for Nature Conservation.

Nils Höglund Fisheries Policy Officer at Coalition Clean Baltic, said: “ On western Baltic herring the science advice for a second year in a row is for zero catch. The Commission ignored the advice last year and member states then made it worse by increasing the TAC in the final decision. Unsurprisingly the stock did not improve. Unfortunately this years Commission proposal is again not inline with the scientific advice. We urge fisheries ministers to support the scientific advice ”.

Lindsay Keenan Fisheries Policy Officer at the Fisheries Secretariat added: “ For eastern Baltic cod the science is clear, the stock is in crisis and so we welcome the proposal of no direct cod fishing. We also welcome the proposed spawning areas protections, which should be a key part of a comprehensive long-term rebuilding plan for both cod stocks. However we have serious concerns about the proposed bycatch TAC for eastern cod, for which no figures are yet presented ”.

The NGOs point out the need for introduction of fishing gears that reduce bycatch and that such gears already exist. They also note the need for additional control and monitoring of medium & high risk vessels as a pre-condition for allocating quota.

With regard to the main pelagic stocks (sprat and herring), the NGOs note that the proposal disregards one crucial part of the scientific advice, namely to move some portion of the pelagic fishery to maximize the food availability for the weak cod stock. This must be addressed as a part of a long term recovery plan for the cod.

Veistola said, “With some Baltic stocks in crisis, the Common Fisheries Policy deadline of 2020 for stocks to be managed sustainably and in the midst of a biodiversity and climate emergency, decisions taken during Finlands presidencies of the EU and Baltfish will be crucial.”

The Commission and member states need to start really dealing with the substantial ecosystem problems in the Baltic Sea. Environment and fisheries Ministers need to work together to agree and implement long term solutions.

For information:
– Mr. Tapani Veistola, Finnish Association for Nature Conservation: +358 400 615 530
– Mr. Nils Höglund, Coalition Clean Baltic: +46 708 679 249
– Mr. Lindsay Keenan, Fisheries Secretariat: +46 707 100 510

Notes:

1) Finland will chair the Baltfish forum and High Level Group meetings in Helsinki on 4 & 5 Sept. Baltic member states senior fisheries officials will discuss the Commission proposal with a view to developing a Baltic consensus ahead of final decisions at the EU Fisheries Ministers Council meeting on 15-16 October.

Finland currently also chairs the EU Council. On 4 Sept the EU Parliament PECH committee will have a first exchange of views with Mr Jari Leppä, Finnish Minister for Agriculture and Forestry concerning Finlands EU presidency priorities.

2) Media briefing: Baltic and EU fisheries: Wed 4 Sept 2019 @ 09.30 – 10.30 – House of Science: Tieteiden talo, Kirkkokatu 6, Helsinki.

Baltic fisheries NGOs will also host a media briefing to offer their reaction to the EU Commissions proposal for Baltic fishing opportunities for 2020 and their analysis of the key issues facing Baltic fisheries. Fisheries policy officers from Finnish Association for Nature Conservation, Coalition Clean Baltic, The Fisheries Secretariat and Oceana will be available for interview.

3) Weblinks:

Commission Proposal for Baltic Sea fishing Total Allowable Catches

NGOs recommendations on Baltic fishing opportunities for 2020 are available at:

COMMISSION IMPLEMENTING REGULATION (EU) 2019/1248 of 22 July 2019 establishing measures to alleviate a serious threat to the conservation of the eastern Baltic cod (Gadus morhua) stock 

Web link to EU press release re eastern Baltic cod emergency measures

ICES advice on western Baltic Herring Published 29 May 2019

ICES advice on Atlantic salmon in the Baltic Sea, excluding the Gulf of Finland

PECH committee agenda:

Job vacancy: Marine Policy Officer (parental leave cover)

By CCB • February 24, 2026
Coalition Clean Baltic – CCB is a politically independent network, uniting 28 environmental non-profit organizations, as well as partners and experts from 11 countries surrounding the Baltic Sea. The main goal of CCB is to promote the protection and improvement of the environment and natural resources of the Baltic Sea region by encouraging new and constructive approaches and engaging people to become part of the solution instead of part of the problem. CCB Secretariat is based in Uppsala, Sweden. About the Role Coalition Clean Baltic (CCB) is seeking a Marine Policy Officer (parental leave cover) to join its International Secretariat and contribute substantively to regional and EU-level marine advocacy, with a particular focus on the Baltic Sea. The Marine Policy Officer will support the implementation of EU and international marine environmental policy frameworks — notably the EU Marine Strategy Framework Directive (MSFD), the EU Maritime Spatial Planning Directive (MSPD) and the HELCOM Baltic Sea Action Plan (BSAP) . All work is grounded in the promotion of ecosystem-based management. The role includes close collaboration with the rest of the Secretariat team as well as CCB member organisations to deliver policy initiatives, advocacy actions, and strategic programme objectives. The Marine Policy Officer will also support the International Secretariat in fundraising, with a focus on the EU LIFE operational grant application. Key Responsibilities Policy & Advocacy Support the implementation of CCB’s strategic plan on marine biodiversity policy. Contribute to marine policy advocacy at EU and at Baltic Sea regional levels (e.g. HELCOM, EU Commission expert groups). Provide input to the implementation and revision of the Marine Strategy Framework Directive. Collect evidence and views to provide NGO inputs to the forthcoming EU Ocean Act and related initiatives. Support the implementation of the Helsinki Convention and Baltic Sea Action Plan. Engage in the revision processes related to the Marine Spatial Planning Directive (MSPD). Programme & Grant Delivery Provide critical support in fundraising, i.e. project proposal development, especially for securing core grant funding (e.g. for the EU LIFE Programme and potentially Horizon programme). Contribute to CCB´s project management, implementation and reporting activities for various projects. Coordination & Monitoring Closely coordinate marine biodiversity policy work with CCB member organisations. Monitor global, EU, and regional marine policy developments. Liaise with partner NGOs and civil society organisations. Communications & Policy Products Draft position papers, policy briefings, consultation inputs and technical reports on relevant files. Support communications and outreach on marine policy issues. Help organise workshops, conferences, and stakeholder events. Represent CCB in policy dialogues, expert groups, and stakeholder forums at the EU and Baltic Sea level. Cross-organisational Support within the Secretariat and its members Contribute to other CCB thematic working areas as required. Profile We are seeking a policy professional who is: Solutions-oriented and adaptable Experienced in advocacy or campaigning Collaborative and team-driven Passionate about marine conservation Organised, diplomatic, and stakeholder-confident Required Qualifications & Experience Demonstrable professional experience in marine or environmental policy. Working knowledge of key EU frameworks, particularly the EU Marine Strategy Framework Directive (MSFD). Knowledge of Helcom BSAP is an asset. Postgraduate qualification in marine science, ecology, conservation, water management, or related discipline with substantial marine focus. Eligibility to work and travel within the EU (citizenship or valid permit) with residency in Sweden. Excellent written and spoken English. CCB also welcomes applicants from broader environmental policy/law backgrounds who can demonstrate relevant knowledge. Desirable Skills Experience within the NGO or civil society sector preferred. Advocacy or campaigning experience within the EU, the Baltic Sea or international environmental policy processes. Working knowledge of a Baltic Sea region language (e.g. Swedish, Danish, Finnish, German, Polish, Latvian, Lithuanian, Estonian).

CCB´s submission to the EU Call for Evidence on the Ocean Act

By CCB • February 19, 2026
Uppsala, February 2025 - CCB supports the Ocean Pact and Ocean Act objectives for improving coherence, coordination and effectiveness of EU ocean governance. Yet, in order to achieve this, the Act has to deliver truly ecosystem-based management of our seas and make reaching Good Environmental Status, as defined in the Marine Strategy Framework Directive (MSFD), a cornerstone of the Act. The Ocean Act can set us on a path to recovery of the marine environment under a sustainable and just blue economy, but only if the Act includes the points outlined below and is implemented swiftly and fully.