The cuts in TACs adopted in previous years proved to be efficient measure to reach sustainability in the Baltic fishery. The number of known stocks at MSY level could go up from three to six in 2013 if proposed Total Allowable Catches (TACs) are adopted. The Commission proposes to increase TACs for sprat, for the stocks of Central and Western herring and for plaice. There are also decreases for the remaining pelagic stocks that respond to the natural fluctuations of stocks in order to ensure MSY levels.
The Commission also proposes to limit the number of days on sea for fishing vessels to the levels established in previous years. The overall aim of the proposals is to make fisheries in the Baltic Sea environmentally and economically sustainable by following the scientific advice. The Commission's proposal follows scientific advice from the Scientific, Technical and Economic Committee on Fisheries (STECF) and from International Council for the Exploration of the Seas (ICES). The Baltic Sea Regional Advisory Council (BSRAC) has been consulted on this proposal, on the basis of the Commission's Consultation document from May.
The present proposal shall be discussed by the member states' ministers at the October Fisheries Council. For more information (including tables): http://ec.europa.eu/fisheries/news_and_events/press_releases/2012/20120817/index_en.htm
