One step in the right direction to protect the only whale in the Baltic Sea

The Baltic Proper harbour porpoise is critically endangered, and for decades, scientists and NGOs have been pushing to have effective conservation action taken to protect it and ensure its survival [1]. Today, finally, European Union legislation is put in place [2] to protect this population from bycatch in marine protected areas.

The Baltic Proper harbour porpoise, the only whale in the Baltic Sea, is sometimes called Europe’s vaquita, after the almost extinct population of Vaquita porpoise in the Gulf of California. The Baltic population of harbour porpoise has been declining since the mid 20th century and there are now only a few hundred individuals left. Bycatch in static fishing nets is one of the most acute threats, and with such a small population even one animal caught in a net is a huge loss and a threat to population survival.

In 2019, NGOs submitted a joint request [3] for emergency measures for the Baltic Proper harbour porpoise to the European Commission, and in May 2020 the International Council for the Exploration of the Sea, ICES, published scientific advice [4] on how to minimise harbour porpoise bycatch in the Baltic Sea. In line with the EU Common Fisheries Policy, this advice was discussed within the Baltic Sea regional fisheries body, BaltFish, and during 2020-2021 BaltFish submitted two joint recommendations [5] to the European Commission on measures to minimise bycatch of the Baltic porpoise. These joint recommendations were transcribed into a so-called delegated act [6] that is now approved by the European Parliament and will be implemented over the next few months.

The delegated act contains regulations on closures of static net fisheries in some important harbour porpoise protected areas, as well as use of pingers, acoustic deterrent devices, on fishing nets in some marine protected areas. While NGOs are very pleased to see these measures being implemented and consider them as a good starting point, it is important to remember that we are not done. The Baltic harbour porpoise must be protected in its entire range, and bycatch must be basically completely eliminated.

NOTES
[1] Scientific paper: “ Out of sight out of mind: How conservation is failing European Porpoises ” (2020).

[2] The EU Delegated Act (see Note n.6) as regards measures to reduce incidental catches of the resident population of the Baltic Proper harbour porpoise (Phocoena phocoena) in the Baltic Sea will officially enter into force after the publication in the Official Journal of the European Union (OJ).

[3] NGOs request for emergency measures (2019) .

[4] ICES scientific advice on bycatch (2020) .

[5] The first BaltFish joint recommendation to the EU (2020) .

[6] EU Delegated Act (2022) .

CCB's briefing on the EU delegated act 2022.

< Older Post

Newer Post >

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.