These discussions are driven by the concerning conditions of various fish stocks in the Baltic Sea, prompting regulations aimed at addressing their declining health.

For herring, which has faced a trawling ban for several years, the proposed catch limit is set to decrease from 788 tons to 394 tons, marking a significant 50% reduction.

Ongoing negotiations in Luxembourg are addressing fishing quotas for the Baltic Sea, with EU ministers meeting to finalize decisions on catch limits for the upcoming year.

The situation is complicated by the increasing share of eastern cod caught by Russian fleets, raising concerns about potential overfishing and its impact on local fishermen.

In response to these challenges, several EU member states are calling for sanctions against Russian fishery products, which could include higher tariffs.

Despite the overarching fishing ban for herring, Germany successfully advocated for exemptions that allow small coastal fishermen to catch herring using gillnets and traps, with a total quota of 788 tons.

Germany's Fisheries Minister, Cem Özdemir, argues for the continuation of these exemptions, asserting that they do not hinder fish stock recovery.

Experts anticipate challenging discussions as the EU Commission proposes further reductions in the already low catch limits for herring and cod.

Environmental groups support the EU Commission's proposals, emphasizing the need for stricter measures to protect fish populations.

The critical condition of cod stocks has led to a ban on targeted cod fishing, even for recreational anglers, highlighting the urgency of sustainable practices.

Till Backhaus, the Minister of Fisheries in Schwerin, stressed the necessity for immediate and comprehensive measures to protect herring stocks as targeted fishing is expected to resume in 2027.

Fishing expert Christopher Zimmermann expressed satisfaction with the current regulations for herring, noting that the allowed catch amounts are already minimal.