In the Baltic

Members Post ::

Why should we be concerned with the Baltic?

Every year ICES ( International Council for the Exploration of the Sea ), give their recommendations as to what the following years total allowable catch (TAC) should be, for our Baltic fish stocks. These are often a recommendation for cuts resulting from commercial over-fishing.

These cut recommendations are almost instantly followed by the commercial sector bemoaning that such reductions are not warranted. They roll out their usual “There are plenty fish in the sea.”, “That such cuts will seriously damage the local fishing communities”, etc. etc.

Regrettably, the politicians often respond by caving in to these commercial industry pressures, and at best, reduce the quota by a fraction of the ICES recommendations.

We should all note the recent statement from the European Commission on the serious situation which has occurred in the Baltic Sea herring stocks.

THE European Commission has tabled its proposals on fishing possibilities for fish stocks in the Baltic Sea for 2010. Scientific advice has shown that cod stocks are recovering, but that the Western herring stock still gives rise to serious concern.

“ The Western herring stock has declined further, following a 2009 TAC which was set well above scientific advice. The incoming year class is only a quarter of the long term average. “

Commissioner for Maritime Affairs and Fisheries Joe Borg commented:

“For herring, the stock is in a long term slump, witnessed by the fact that incoming year classes are continuing to decline and are now merely a quarter of what they used to be. Serious cuts in fishing possibilities are needed to stop overfishing this stock and compensate for the poor recruitment.”

The conclusions are clear.

We ignore scientific advice at our peril. Doing so could be a recipe for potential disaster, similar to what has happened with the Baltic herring.

Category: SSACN Announcements