Fishing Quota for Herring and Sprat in Baltic Sea to Double Despite Swedish Government Opposition

Next year, the fishing quota for herring and sprat in the Baltic Sea will double, following a decision made by EU fisheries ministers. The quota is set to increase by 108%, despite the Swedish government aiming for a reduction. The decision has faced criticism from several Swedish EU ministers, who label it a “death sentence” and a “catastrophe.”

Swedish Minister of Rural Affairs, Peter Kullgren, expressed disappointment but acknowledged the risks of pushing harder during negotiations. “We managed to land this at the minimal point advised by science, and I did not dare to press for more,” he stated, highlighting the potential risk of not being heard had he pushed further.

Participating in the discussion, Isabella Lövin from the Green Party voiced strong discontent over the decision. She termed it a failure on Kullgren’s part and described the outcome as a “total disaster for the Baltic Sea.” Lövin emphasized the need for more frequent and proactive engagements with other countries regarding Sweden’s fishing ambitions.

In contrast, Kullgren viewed the decision more favorably than the outcomes achieved by previous administrations, including Lövin’s time as Environment Minister. “We have succeeded in reaching the minimum level set by ICES, something Isabella Lövin never achieved during her tenure,” Kullgren remarked.

The increased quotas raise concerns among environmentalists and local communities about the long-term health of the Baltic Sea ecosystem.