The CCB network is growing

CCB • April 24, 2024

Despite the challenges in the region, we continue the work for the protection and restoration of the Baltic Sea and its natural resources, and we are glad to share the news that we accepted two new Member Organizations and one Observer in the CCB network.


During the last CCB Annual Conference and General Meeting held in April in Riga, indeed, we welcomed:

  • As a Member –  "Nierusz Natura" Foundation (Poland)


The Foundation, based in Poland in 2023, will continue the activities of the ecological and local history public association "Nerush," which operated in Belarus from 1997 to 2022.

The aim of the foundation is to support comprehensive, sustainable social, ecological, and economic development, in particular by:

 

o  Establishing high-quality public policies.

o  Observing human rights, especially in the countries of the former USSR.

o  Developing international cooperation, especially with the countries of the former USSR, with particular emphasis on the Republic of Belarus.

o  Combating poverty and social exclusion.

o  Improving the quality and increasing access to education for all social groups.

o  Safe, orderly, and legal migration, respecting human dignity, freedom, equality, as well as respecting human rights, especially in the context of migration undertaken by citizens of the former USSR.

o  Combating human trafficking and modern slavery.

o  Preserving the natural environment in an optimal state, enabling the preservation of biodiversity.

o  Combating the negative aspects of climate change and developing international cooperation in this area.


More info: https://www.linkedin.com/company/nierusz-natura-foundation/about/

  • As a Member  Chemical Safety Agency (Ukraine)

 

The Ukrainian Non-Governmental Organization “Chemical Safety Agency” (CSA), established in 2019, works to achieving Chemical Safety Goals in the creation of toxic-free living environment for our children and future generation. In particular, by:

 

o  Developing and implementing campaigns and projects that lead to the improvement of the environment, public health and public awareness of the most crucial chemical safety issues;

o  Capacity building and exchange of experience with all stakeholders, including thematic nongovernmental organizations;

o  Providing strategic input, analysis and advice to stakeholders to accelerate positive change in chemical safety and strengthen global and national chemicals and waste policies for a toxics-free future.


More info: https://www.facebook.com/ChemSafety.Ukraine

  • As an Observer - Center for Environmental Initiatives (Latvia)

The organization, established in 2006, operates in various fields such as urban and rural development and encouraging society to be civically active, in particular by:
 

o  Promoting environmental health and waste reduction;

o  Advocating for green cities, waste segregation, and engagement in environmental policies;

o  Providing environmental education and promoting eco-friendly, active, and healthy lifestyle;

o  Advocating for the sustainable utilization of natural resources.


More info: https://www.videsnvo.lv/


"We are really happy to welcome 2 new member organizations from Poland and Ukraine, and one new observer from Latvia to our network! CCB has always been a member-driven public force, and of course, more members mean more energy and wisdom within the network, more “hands” on the ground, and network’s stronger voice on policy forums. It is good to see that new organizations bring different expertise in various fields important for CCB. We remain committed to continue our work for protection of the Baltic Sea with all of our members and observers." - commented Eugeniy Lobanov, CCB Co-Chair on behalf of the CCB Council and network.




***

More info:

https://www.ccb.se/member-organizations

By CCB May 28, 2025
Key Baltic fish populations are in crisis, warn environmental NGOs. New scientific advice from the International Council for the Exploration of the Sea, ICES, confirms the poor condition of key Baltic fish populations, several of which remain collapsed (1). EU fisheries ministers must set 2026-catch limits well below ICES advice and prioritise long-term recovery over short-term economic gains.
By CCB May 7, 2025
7 May 2025 - Yesterday the European Commission took a strong decision to deduct Finland´s 2025 Atlantic Salmon quota due to unjustified overfishing last year. This action is a clear application of the EU fisheries rules - aiming to ensure sustainable fishing practices and compliance with established quotas - and an important precedent for the consistent enforcement of fisheries law. In 2024, Finland was allocated a strict by-catch quota for Atlantic salmon, with direct fishing prohibited, except for some specific, minor exceptions. Despite this, Finland reported catching 3,162 salmon in a targeted fishery, under a claimed derogation stating the fishery was for scientific research purposes. Upon review, the European Commission concluded that these activities did not meet the legal standards for such an exemption and therefore found this claim unjustified. The number of vessels participating, 32, the number of salmon caught as well as the fact that Finland refused to re-release the salmon after conducting the “scientific research” are all reasons why the fishery cannot be considered to have been carried out for scientific research purposes. As a result, the same number of salmon caught beyond the legal limit in 2024 is now being deducted from Finland’s 2025 quota, from the same stock. “ We welcome the Commission's decision to take enforcement action and apply the law as intended. It sends a clear message to Member States that exceeding quotas will have consequences. However, more consistent enforcement is urgently needed across EU waters, especially in the Baltic Sea, where many fish stocks are collapsing and the ecosystem is in a poor state ” said Aimi Hamberg, CCB Marine Policy Officer. The Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry of Finland has already responded to the Commission´s quota reduction for Atlantic salmon by stating that this decision “is not legally justified” and they will consider taking legal action against it. As this matter continues to evolve, it is highlighting the importance of collective responsibility in managing fish stocks sustainably. Species like salmon, herring and cod , are under increasing pressure due to overfishing, climate change and habitat loss. In this context, rule enforcement is not just a bureaucratic step but a necessary action to ensure the long-term sustainability of marine life in the Baltic Sea.