Europêche has hit back at the European Commission''s decision to immediately close the eastern Baltic cod fishery.
According to the fishing sector the commission has ignored the latest scientific advice which has shown little benefit for the recovery of the stock whilst creating a high risk for local fishing communities to collapse.
Daniel Voces, managing director of Europêche, acknowledged that cod stock in the region is in 'poor condition' but said, "However, we do not believe that there are sufficient grounds to consider it to be under serious threat."
In May 2019, the International Council for the Exploration of the Sea (ICES) advised a zero catch for eastern Baltic cod in 2020 and more recently provided advice on the effects of adopting an immediate fishing ban for cod in the eastern stock which would last until the end of the year.
Europêche argues that stock deterioration is caused by environmental impacts such as poor oxygen conditions and not overfishing and points to scientific evidence suggesting that zero catch will result in a higher spawning-stock biomass in 2020 of just 4%.
The sector also argues that there is substantial migration of eastern cod to the west. The intended closure would also include the fishery on western cod, meaning that operators would have to displace effort to other areas leading to longer fishing trips and higher costs and competition.
Europêche believes that this is a critical moment that calls for proportionate decisions based on science and argues for a steep but manageable quota restriction rather than an outright ban.
