Joint NGO recommendations on Baltic Sea fishing opportunities for 2024

CCB • June 20, 2023

June 2023 - The Baltic Sea ecosystem is in severe distress and the major commercial fish stocks have never been in worse condition. Both cod stocks are on the verge of collapse, all herring stocks are facing severe difficulties except the well managed Gulf of Riga herring, salmon is in decline and sprat has had low recruitment for two years in a row. Only the plaice spawning stock biomass is high, however alarming signals show a high number of small and skinny fish. In ICES’ own press release, the situation was summarised accordingly: “For a number of large commercial stocks, the advice does not make for positive reading.” and “The Baltic Sea faces many challenges, and conditions here have been deteriorating over the past decade. Overfishing and habitat destruction have impacted the biodiversity and ecological balance of the sea.[1]”


It is clear the current management system is not working.


We must have a management system in the Baltic Sea accounting not only for fisheries, but
acknowledging and protecting ecosystem functions. As of today, the Baltic Sea does not even have
mixed fishery advice. Considering the dire state of the Baltic and its fish, all sectors with an impact on the ecosystem must contribute to bringing the Baltic back to a healthy and productive state. In the case of the fisheries sector, this means adjusting fishing pressure to respect the limits of the system and minimising other impacts of fishing on the marine environment.


In October 2023, EU fisheries ministers will agree on fishing opportunities in the Baltic Sea for 2024. As the deadline to end overfishing by 2020 at the latest as legally prescribed by Article 2(2) of the Common Fisheries Policy (CFP)2 has passed, all fishing limits must be in line with sustainable exploitation rates.

Summary of NGO recommendations


The following text outlines the joint NGO recommendations on Baltic Sea fishing opportunities for 2024 in the context of environmental regulations, EU fisheries legislation, scientific advice on catch limits, and the sharing of stocks with third countries.


Overall, we urge the European Commission to propose, and fisheries ministers to adopt, fishing opportunities in accordance with the following recommendations:


  • Set TACs not exceeding the best available scientific advice provided by the International Council for the Exploration of the Sea (ICES), both for stocks with advice based on the ICES MSY approach (where MSY-based reference points are available) and for stocks with advice based on the ICES precautionary approach for data-limited stocks.
  • In light of the dire situation of the Baltic Sea ecosystem including many of its fish stocks, set
    TACs sufficiently below the relevant ICES headline advice presented at the top of the respective ICES single-stock advice document, and ensure that these limits are respected, in order to prioritise the protection and recovery of depleted stocks and to factor in additional anthropogenic pressures and ecosystem dynamics.


Additionally, we call for improved transparency of negotiations and decisions as follows:


  • Provide transparent calculations for TACs based on the ICES advice on fishing opportunities;
  • Improve transparency by making publicly available any proposals subsequent to the official
    Commission proposal, including Commission non-papers as well as Council Working Party,
    AGRIFISH Council, and BALTFISH documents and minutes.


Finally, the European Parliament, as a co-legislator of the CFP basic regulation and of the Baltic Sea
MAP, should be vigilant that no infringements of the rules for which it is responsible occur, and that the overarching objective of rebuilding EU fish stocks to healthy levels is fully achieved.


Download the full joint NGO recommendations on Baltic Sea fishing opportunities for 2024 here.

CONTACT

Nils Höglund, CCB Fisheries Policy Officer: nils.hoglund (at) ccb.se

Photos by IISD/ENB - Natalia Mroz

First meeting of the Open-Ended Working Group (OEWG) on the Global Framework on Chemicals (GFC)

By CCB • July 2, 2025
The first meeting of the Open-Ended Working Group (OEWG) on the Global Framework on Chemicals (GFC) was held in Punta del Este, Uruguay, from 23–27 June 2025 , bringing together government representatives, intergovernmental and non-governmental organizations, including the Coalition Clean Baltic representative, the private sector, youth, and academia. This marked the first global gathering since the GFC was adopted at the Fifth International Conference on Chemicals Management (ICCM5) in 2023. The primary focus of OEWG-1 was to take stock of progress since ICCM5 and to discuss how best to operationalize the framework’s goals. Participants exchanged views on implementation needs and priorities, as well as preparatory work for the first International conference of GFC , expected in 2026. Advancing Implementation Programmes Across Key Sectors A central discussion point was the development of terms of reference (ToR) for three Implementation Programmes under the GFC. One of these programmes will include sector-specific sub-programmes , aiming to promote safer chemicals management practices in industries such as electronics, textiles, health care, and construction . The intent is to support sector-wide engagement, innovation, and accountability in reducing chemical risks. Delegates also addressed the selection and future treatment of chemical Issues of Concern (IoCs) - substances or groups of substances that require global attention, e.g. lead in paints, highly hazardous pesticides, environmentally persistent pharmaceutical pollutants , and others) . While there was broad support for retaining all currently recognized IoCs, discussions highlighted the need for clear criteria, dedicated workplans, and adequate resourcing to ensure each IoC is actively addressed rather than left unresolved. Financing as a Cornerstone of Effective Implementation Discussions made clear that successful implementation of the GFC will require adequate, sustained, and predictable financial resources . The meeting explored the operation of the GFC Fund , with particular attention to how it might be improved to ensure equitable access to financial resources , especially for low- and middle-income countries. Ideas for a resource mobilization strategy were also shared, with many participants emphasizing the importance of sustained public and private sector contributions. There was significant support for applying the “polluter pays” principle , ensuring that industries contributing to chemical pollution take financial responsibility for managing its impacts. The intersessional work ahead of COP1 will be critical for shaping a robust financing mechanism that matches the framework’s ambition. Global Alliance on Highly Hazardous Pesticides launched A major milestone from the meeting was the launch of the Global Alliance on Highly Hazardous Pesticides (HHPs) . This new initiative aims to promote international collaboration, knowledge exchange, and support for safer alternatives, including agroecological approaches that reduce reliance on harmful substances in agriculture. Regional Perspectives: Implications for the Baltic Sea “ For the Baltic Sea region , chemicals management remains a critical environmental and public health issue ”, commented Eugeniy Lobanov, Leader of the Hazardous Substances Working Area at Coalition Clean Baltic . “ Implementation of the GFC provides an opportunity to reinforce regional actions under the HELCOM Baltic Sea Action Plan , especially concerning the reduction of hazardous substances entering the marine environment, e.g., pharmaceutical pollutants ”. It is important that Baltic Sea countries actively contribute to the GFC’s development and ensure regional priorities are reflected in global strategies. To read summary report of OEWG 1 . *** Article written by Eugeniy Lobanov, CCB Hazardous Substances Working Area Leader Photos by IISD/ENB - Natalia Mroz

Joint NGO recommendations on Baltic Sea fishing opportunities for 2026

By CCB • June 17, 2025
On Wednesday, 28 May, the International Council for the Exploration of the Seas (ICES) published its scientific advice for fish stocks in the Baltic Sea . In response, environmental NGOs from around the Baltic Sea region urge the European Commission to propose, and fisheries ministers to adopt, fishing opportunities at levels well below the headline advice to safeguard ecosystem needs and dynamics and allow for rapid recovery of Baltic Sea fish populations.