Fishermen react to EU’s herring fishing quota increase in Archipelago Sea and Bothnian Bay

Fishermen have mixed feelings about the EU’s decision to increase the herring fishing quota. In the Archipelago Sea and the Gulf of Finland, the quota will rise by 108% next year, while in the Bothnian Bay, it will increase by 21%. Olavi Sahlsten, chairman of the Archipelago Sea fishermen, sees the decision as a positive step after several years of declining quotas; however, he believes the increase could have been larger. “Although the percentage sounds significant, in terms of quantity, it is modest. We are starting from fairly low numbers,” he noted.

Sahlsten expressed concern regarding the inconsistency in decision-making, which has led to skepticism among fishermen about the overall system. There is hope for a more long-term increase in quotas moving forward. “Now we are lifting ourselves slightly from the bottom. The necessary smaller investment needs might finally be feasible,” he added. He does not anticipate that the increase in herring quotas will significantly affect consumer prices.

Kotka fishermen are pleased with the decision. Holger Sjögren, who has focused on herring fishing in the Gulf of Finland for decades, called the decision “really good, it couldn’t be better.” He argues that the current quota has been excessively small, as there is strong demand for herring in the market. Fellow fisherman Antero Halonen also welcomes the quota change, noting that they are the only vessel fishing herring through trawling in the eastern Gulf of Finland. “There is more than enough herring available,” Sjögren said.

In contrast, Santtu Halonen, CEO of Perämeren Trooli Oy in Oulu, finds the increase for the Bothnian Bay unjustified. “We haven’t even managed to catch our quota this year. I don’t understand why it needs to be raised; it seems like a foolish decision,” he stated. Halonen understands the need for a quota increase in the Baltic Sea, where he believes quotas have been effectively fished. He also supports last year’s decision to decrease herring quotas in the Bothnian Bay, stating it was a step in the right direction. “Now, we’re going back the other way. No one knows yet how last year’s decision will impact the established targets,” he concluded.