NGOs New Year’s “resolution list” to ensure Ministers deliver a future-proof plan to save the Baltic Sea

December 2020 – Another year has come and gone, and we, the Coalition Clean Baltic and WWF Baltic Ecoregion Programme are taking stock of the Baltic Sea Action Plan (BSAP) presently being revised by all Baltic Sea coastal countries.

We have a special resolution for HELCOM Heads of Delegation after a year of the revision process: to deliver an actionable Baltic Sea Action Plan (BSAP) that is future-proof. The revised plan must go beyond “business as usual” to address the challenges of the coming decade, including seven priority areas for action that are not yet included in the revised BSAP.

The current plan ends in 2021 and has not met its aim to prevent further deterioration of the environment by the agreed timeline [1]. A new 10-year BSAP is being revised [2] for adoption at next year’s HELCOM Ministerial Meeting in October. Today, a first draft of the new BSAP is being presented at the 59th Meeting of the Heads of Delegation. In our opinion, there are priority areas that still need addressing to fulfil the pre-existing goals and additional pressures we foresee will continue to halt the sea from reaching good environmental status in the coming decade.

To help with this task NGOs across the Baltic Sea region have collectively produced a Shadow plan [3] setting recommended actions across all segments of the BSAP. There are seven of these priority action areas we want to underscore be included to ensure a future-proof action plan:

Actions reducing underwater noise: A recently published paper on the matter clearly states that we know enough to act [4]. It is crucial that underwater noise is measurably and continuously reduced as soon as possible, and several possible actions are readily available.
Actions to protect our endangered species: Eel –Recent scientific advice from the International Council for the Exploration of the Seas (ICES) shows no improvements in eel stocks [5]. The proposal to close recreational fishing is supported by the anglers themselves [6]. Measures such as banning recreational fishing must be included in the update. Harbour porpoise – ICES has published scientific advice on how to minimize bycatch of the Baltic harbour porpoise. This is discussed within Baltfish [7], but not all HELCOM Contracting Partners are EU Members, so it also needs to be discussed within HELCOM . We strongly urge support of this measure.
Actions reducing input of hazardous substances: Both source-reduction measures such as restrictions on over-the-counter pharmaceuticals [8] and end-of-pipe technologies like the promotion of constructed wetlands in wastewater treatment are not supported, despite proof of their effects to reduce inputs of hazardous substances.
Actions addressing nutrient inputs from agriculture: Economic instruments to discourage overuse of mineral fertilizers (Nitrogen and Phosphorus) and limit livestock densities in agriculture have not been endorsed [9], [10], [11]. Instead mostly voluntary measures were supported, which we can see from the current Common Agriculture Policy, does not incentivize the appropriate reduction of fertilizer in the Baltic sea region [12].
Actions addressing lost fishing gear: This is the deadliest form of marine litter. Prevention measures should be prioritized in order to reduce the scale of the problem. It is crucial that the updated BSAP recognizes the importance of fishing gear marking and gear loss reporting proper implementation on national and regional level [13].
Actions addressing climate change: A healthy and thriving Baltic Sea will not be possible without a plan to include climate mitigation and adaptation measures that build long-term resilience to climate change in our marine and coastal ecosystems. We strongly urge including binding climate targets and developing a roadmap to achieve climate neutrality in the Baltic Sea Area by 2040 [3].
Actions addressing Marine Protected Areas (MPAs): MPAs are endorsed by the BSAP to cover 30% of the sea by 2030, but it does not go far enough to regulate human activities in those areas. A 10% target for strictly prohibited areas will ensure we meet the 2030 EU Biodiversity strategy goals.

"The NGO community send this resolution list to all Baltic countries to take the lead in propelling the updated BSAP to be ambitious and action oriented. HELCOM has the platform, it’s now time for decisive action to empower change and save our beloved Baltic Sea”

says the Coalition Clean Baltic and the WWF Baltic Ecoregion Programme.

We look to the national HELCOM representatives meeting today in the Head of Delegation to assure the revised BSAP contains measures for all relevant pressures on the Baltic Sea – measures which have set timelines for prompt implementation and which will show a measurable reduction of the pressures.

–END—

Notes to editors:

CCB – Coalition Clean Baltic is a politically independent, non-profit association, which unites 23 member organizations and 1 observers, with over 850,000 members in all countries around the Baltic Sea. The main goal of CCB is to promote the protection and improvement of the Baltic Sea environment and its natural resources. More info at www.ccb.se.

WWF Baltic Ecoregion Programme – is an ambitious and highly influential force working to conserve and restore the health of the Balitc Sea. The programme is comprised of WWF and NGO partners in each of the nine coastal Baltic Sea countries. Representing the region’s largest membership network, the programme’s approach has been to work with public and private sector partners toward ensuring a healthy, productive Baltic Sea through sustainable, ecosystem-based management. More info at: https://www.wwfbaltic.org/

[1] The HELCOM State of the Baltic Sea Report – shows that despite a few promising trends in the last 12 years, the objectives of the current BSAP have not been reached and countries have missed the 2020 deadline – outlined in the European Union’s Marine Strategy Framework Directive – to achieve and maintain a ‘Good Environmental Status’ in the sea.

[2] The update process – An updated plan is currently being developed and negotiated by the ten HELCOM members – the nine Baltic Sea countries plus the European Union – and is due to be adopted at a Ministerial Meeting 2021. Its focus will be on the same areas as the current plan with some adaptation to include additional pressures from human activities including: climate change, eutrophication, hazardous substances and litter, sea-based activities and achieve a healthy and resilient ecosystem. It will also address emerging issues to be tackled on a regional scale such as, marine litter, underwater noise and seabed disturbance.

[3] The Baltic Shadow Plan: For the future of the Baltic Sea

[4] CCB paper on underwater noise

[5] ICES 2020 – Advice on fishing opportunities, catch and effort. Ecoregions in the Northeast Atlantic: http://ices.dk/sites/pub/Publication Reports/Advice/2020/2020/ele.2737.nea.pdf

[6] EEA position on the rebuilding of the European Eel (Anguilla anguilla) stock: https://www.eaa-europe.org/positions/eel-2018.html

[7] Joint NGO letter to EU Commission on Baltic proper harbour porpoise

[8] HELCOM Baltic Marine Environment Protection Commission: proposal for the update of the BSAP – ‘Implement restrictions on over-the-counter pharmaceuticals’: https://portal.helcom.fi/workspaces/BSAP%20UP%20NEW%20ACTIONS-183/Shared%20Documents/Synopses%20-%20proposals%20received/Implement%20restrictions%20on%20over-the-counter%20pharmaceuticals.pdf

[9] HELCOM Baltic Marine Environment Protection Commission: proposal for the update of the BSAP – ‘Levy on nitrogen in mineral fertilizer’: https://portal.helcom.fi/workspaces/BSAP%20UP%20NEW%20ACTIONS-183/Shared%20Documents/Synopses%20-%20proposals%20received/Levy%20on%20nitrogen%20in%20mineral%20fertilizer.pdf

[10] HELCOM Baltic Marine Environment Protection Commission: proposal for the update of the BSAP – ‘Levy on mineral phosphorus in animal fodder and on mineral fertilizer P’: https://portal.helcom.fi/workspaces/BSAP%20UP%20NEW%20ACTIONS-183/Shared%20Documents/Synopses%20-%20proposals%20received/Levy%20on%20mineral%20phosphorus.pdf

[11] HELCOM Baltic Marine Environment Protection Commission: proposal for the update of the BSAP – ‘Reducing livestock densities and coupling livestock to the area of available farmland’: https://portal.helcom.fi/workspaces/BSAP%20UP%20NEW%20ACTIONS-183/Shared%20Documents/Synopses%20-%20proposals%20received/Reducing%20livestock%20densities%20and%20coupling%20livestock%20to%20the%20area%20of%20available%20farmland.pdf

[12] Potentials for circularity in the agrifood system: https://wwwwwfbalticorg.cdn.triggerfish.cloud/uploads/2020/09/metabolic_report_wwfse_potential-for-circularity-in-the-agrifood-system_17032020_hr.pdf

[13] HELCOM Baltic Marine Environment Protection Commission: proposal for the update of the BSAP – ‘Development of strategies for preventing fishing gear loss in the Baltic Sea by analyzing the fishing strategic context and available options for fishing gear marking’: https://portal.helcom.fi/workspaces/BSAP%20UP%20NEW%20ACTIONS-183/Shared%20Documents/Synopses%20-%20proposals%20received/Strategies%20for%20preventing%20fishing%20gear%20loss.pdf

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NGOs urge stronger action as 2027 Baltic Sea fishing limits fall short of securing full recovery of fish populations

By CCB • October 27, 2026

27 October 2026 , Luxembourg - EU fisheries ministers increased central Baltic and Bothnian herring catch limits beyond the European Commission’s proposals and significantly increased the sprat catch limit, falling short of the precaution needed to protect the role of herring and sprat in the Baltic Sea food web. The Council also rejected proposed cuts to accidental catches of severely depleted cod and western Baltic herring populations. NGOs warn that fishing limits remain too high and urge EU ministers to follow the agreement with concrete plans to rebuild depleted fish populations. Herring: further measures needed to safeguard fragile recovery and protect vulnerable populations EU fisheries ministers increased the catch limit for central Baltic herring to 165 228 tonnes, a 71% increase compared with 2026. The population has shown signs of improvement after years of depletion. However, the central Baltic herring population remains vulnerable, and rebuilding must restore healthy age and size structures as well as overall abundance. Although below the scientific headline catch advice, the Council’s decision exceeds the Commission’s proposal, which was more precautionary and recovery-oriented and should have been followed by the ministers. “Ministers have recognised the need for caution, but still allowed more herring to be caught than the Commission proposed. These vulnerable populations need a stronger chance of lasting recovery, with clear rebuilding targets, a timetable for reaching them and measures that are implemented and enforced ,” said Cathrine Pedersen Schirmer, Senior Fisheries Policy Advisor at Coalition Clean Baltic. For Bothnian herring , ministers retained the three-month spawning closure but increased the Total Allowable Catch (TAC) by 12% , despite the population remaining below healthy levels. The Commission’s proposed TAC for this fish population was already a compromise between population rebuilding and maintaining fishing opportunities. The agreed higher TAC poses a risk to the recovery of the Bothnian herring population and creates increasing uncertainty for the industry. “ Fisheries decisions must also account for the risks to fish population recovery. Even catch limits within the ICES advice range can leave stocks at risk of remaining below the biomass levels that should trigger recovery measures. Fishing opportunities must give depleted populations a real chance to recover to healthy level s,” said Beatrice Rindevall, Chairperson of the Swedish Society for Nature Conservation. The Gulf of Riga herring TAC was also set above NGOs’ recommendations, with an increase of 11% compared with 2026, despite the recent decline in its spawning biomass and its importance to the Baltic food web. Lower limits for this fish population would have better supported population health and long-term resilience. Sprat: recovery must extend to the Baltic Sea food web The sprat agreement remains a significant concern. The Council’s decision, in line with the Commission’s proposal, to increase the sprat catch limit by 44% to 291 590 tonnes exceeds the level NGOs recommended. Although the population has increased, the agreed limit does not sufficiently account for sprat’s importance as prey for cod, salmon, seabirds and other marine wildlife, persistent catch misreporting or the risk of catching vulnerable herring alongside sprat. “ Herring and sprat are vital to the Baltic Sea ecosystem. When setting fishing opportunities, decision makers must leave enough prey in the water to support predators like cod and salmon, to rebuild ecosystem health and align with the EU’s nature restoration ambitions ,” said Justyna Zajchowska, Fisheries Lead for WWF Baltic Sea Programme. Salmon: no increase in catch limits, but stronger protection needed NGOs welcome the decision not to increase salmon fishing opportunities. However, fishing should be restricted to compensatory hatchery-released salmon or salmon from rivers where populations are at full reproductive capacity. Fishing on vulnerable wild populations must be avoided and, if returning salmon numbers are insufficient, additional adaptive management measures should be deployed immediately, considering the impact of recent poor spawning runs. “ Good returns to some large rivers are encouraging, but they do not demonstrate recovery across the Baltic region. Many smaller river populations remain in serious difficulty. We need fishing restrictions that protect those vulnerable salmon throughout their migration and allow enough fish to reach their spawning grounds ,” said Thomas Johansson, Chairman of Östersjölaxälvar i Samverkan and Secretary General of the Baltic Salmon Fund. Cod, western Baltic herring and plaice: Council misses opportunity to curb bycatch Both Baltic cod populations and western Baltic herring remain severely depleted. Targeted cod fisheries remain closed, while ministers retained the small-scale fisheries exemption for western Baltic herring. Yet ministers agreed bycatch quotas well above the Commission’s proposals for 2027 and at the same level as 2026, falling short of the protection sought by NGOs. For all three populations, the agreed bycatch quotas permit continued catches despite ICES advice for zero catch. The Council’s decision to increase the plaice TAC to 11,237 tonnes , well above the level NGOs recommended, missed an opportunity to secure a reduction in accidental cod catches. The decision also does not reflect the very low reported landings of this species. Declining weight and condition of plaice also warrant greater caution. The TAC must be combined with effective enforcement of mandatory selective gear to reduce cod bycatch and the implementation of the landing obligation. Annual fishing limits must support lasting recovery The Council’s decisions on Baltic Sea fishing opportunities for 2027 are not ambitious enough to secure restoration of all Baltic Sea fish populations. These decisions should be seen in the context of last year’s joint commitment by the European Commission and Baltic Sea Member States to seek dedicated scientific advice from ICES on rebuilding pathways for fish populations. In the absence of such rebuilding-oriented advice, and whilst we are waiting for it, decisions should be more cautious and based on the available recovery-focused catch options provided by the scientists in their traditional advice. Fisheries management must also support EU marine restoration objectives and the achievement of good environmental status in the Baltic Sea. Restoring fish populations and food webs is essential to the recovery of the sea itself and to the long-term future of Baltic fisheries and the coastal communities that depend on them. ENDS *** Further information: Link to Council decision Link to Commission’s proposal Link to Joint NGO recommendations on Baltic Sea fishing opportunities for 2027 Media contact: Beatrice Rindevall, Chairperson, Swedish Society for Nature Conservation, ordforande@naturskyddsforeningen.se Cathrine Pedersen Schirmer , Senior Fisheries Policy Advisor, Coalition Clean Baltic, Cathrine@ccb.se Justyna Zajchowska , Fisheries Lead, WWF Baltic Sea Programme, jzajchowska@wwf.pl Dr. Katja Hockun, Senior Expert Meeresschutz, Deutsche Umwelthilfe e.V., hockun@duh.de Konrad Stralka , Executive Director, BalticWaters, konrad.stralka@balticwaters.org Magda Jentgena , Baltic Sea and Freshwater Programme Manager, Pasaules Dabas Fonds, mjentgena@pdf.lv Regan McEnroe , Chairperson, Nature and Youth Sweden, ordforande@faltbiologerna.se Tapani Veistola, Executive Director, Suomen luonnonsuojeluliitto (Finnish Association for Nature Conservation), tapani.veistola@sll.fi Thomas Johansson , Chairman, Östersjölaxälvar i Samverkan, and Secretary General, Baltic Salmon Fund, thomas@balticsalmonfund.com .

CCB's submission on sustainable fishing in the EU

By CCB • August 31, 2026

Uppsala, 31 August 2026 - Coalition Clean Baltic (CCB) welcomes the Commission’s recognition that declining fishing pressure has not consistently delivered higher biomass, that recruitment and biomass are deteriorating for a number of stocks, and that Baltic fisheries urgently need rebuilding trajectories. These findings must now shape the Council’s decision on the 2027 fishing opportunities and the Commission’s position during the Council negotiations. The poor status and decline of many Baltic Sea fish populations have been documented over several decades and show that the ecosystem is in severe distress. Cumulative human pressures have contributed to major ecosystem shifts, and at the same time climate change is making the shallow, semi-enclosed Baltic Sea warmer and less saline. These combined pressures affect not only fish biomass but also recruitment, population age and size structures, species interactions and the functioning of the wider food web. The Baltic crisis reflects the persistent failure to fully implement the CFP and the Baltic MAP, including their precautionary safeguards and the legal obligation to apply ecosystem-based fisheries management. Fishing opportunities for 2027 must therefore mark the first concrete step towards ambitious, timebound rebuilding trajectories that reduce fishing pressure and enable depleted populations to recover to healthy levels. These trajectories must include implementation of an ecosystem based approach by accounting for species interactions, food-web needs, habitat conditions, environmental and climatic change and scientific uncertainty, while reinforcing, not replacing the CFP’s objectives and the Baltic MAP’s existing safeguards in Art. 4.6. The Commission’s 2027 proposal is now before the Council. The October Council must turn the commitment to rebuild Baltic fish populations into measurable action by adopting fishing opportunities that deliver rapid and sustained recovery. Under no circumstances should the TACs adopted be higher than levels proposed by the European Commission. Fishing opportunities aligned with scientific evidence, legal safeguards and ecosystem needs are the basis for both a recovering Baltic Sea and viable fisheries in the long term. Read the full CCB's submission and recommendations here .