Denmark secures bycatch quota for cod at EU meeting in Luxembourg

European Union member states reached an agreement on Baltic Sea fish quotas for the upcoming year during a meeting in Luxembourg. Denmark successfully advocated for a bycatch quota for cod, allowing continued fishing for plaice, which often results in cod bycatch. Danish Minister of Food, Agriculture and Fisheries, Jacob Jensen, emphasized the importance of protecting fish stocks, noting that while some species in the Baltic are struggling, others like plaice, central herring, and sprat are thriving.

Due to the declining cod populations in both eastern and western parts of the Baltic Sea, quotas for cod will be strictly limited to bycatch only, a measure designed to help restore these stocks. Jensen reaffirmed the commitment to sustaining commercial fishing, which is vital for many livelihoods.

Compared to last year, catch limits for cod have been reduced by 28 percent in the eastern Baltic and 22 percent in the western part. A ban on recreational cod fishing remains in place, which, while disappointing for Danish anglers, is necessary for safeguarding the vulnerable cod population.

Jensen pointed out that recreational fishing accounted for 68 percent of total cod catches in 2022, making the ban unfortunate yet vital. Regulations will consider unintentional bycatch, ensuring that authorities do not penalize fishermen for unavoidable mistakes.

Additionally, next year’s herring quotas will increase by 108 percent, and limited opportunities for small vessels to fish for herring using nets and other passive methods will continue, supporting local fishing communities along Danish coasts. The agreement also allows commercial salmon fishing to proceed, albeit with a 36 percent reduction in quotas, and reduces the total allowable catch for sprat by 31 percent to maintain sustainability.