North Sea and Northeast Atlantic
EU fisheries ministers agree on catch levels for 2025
Every year, EU states discuss catch levels in European seas. While fishermen are happy about every ton more, environmentalists point out the desolate condition of many stocks.
The EU ministers responsible for fisheries have agreed on the permitted catch levels for the North Sea and the northeast Atlantic. Among other things, the responsible ministers decided to maintain a ban on targeted cod fishing in the Kattegat near Denmark and Sweden, as the EU states announced. In addition, the permitted bycatch quantity is reportedly falling by 17 percent, and both measures should also apply in 2026.
There are still protective measures for the European eel. This includes a six-month closed period. However, there are exceptions to this closed season. The background to the restrictions is that many stocks in European seas are in poor condition. Overfishing, climate change and other factors are affecting the animals.
Franziska Saalmann from the environmental protection organization Greenpeace criticized: “Overfishing in the North Sea will continue almost unabated in 2025.” She also said there was a one-month loophole for eel fishing and that the lower cod catches were not enough. Fisheries Minister Cem Özdemir (Greens) missed the chance to change course.
Every year, the EU Commission draws up catch quantities based on scientific recommendations, which should be designed in such a way that the stocks do not come under too much pressure. However, the EU fisheries ministers have the final say when it comes to stocks that are only fished by EU countries. Catch levels in other sea areas must be negotiated with third countries such as Great Britain or Norway.
dpa
Source: Stern
