Berlin pushing for 'fair compromise' on Baltic Sea fishing rights

Berlin is pushing to protect German fishing rights in the Baltic Sea in the coming year as the European Commission decides on quotas.

A spokesman for the Agriculture Ministry said in Berlin on Wednesday that Germany wants a "good and fair compromise" from the EU-level negotiations.

The aim is to preserve German coastal fishing and to ensure that stocks recover sustainably in the long term.

The plans, which were presented by the European Commission on Tuesday, are a "first proposal," the spokesman said.

The future fishing quotas are to be decided in October.

To protect herring stocks in the western Baltic Sea, the European Commission has proposed an end to exceptions from fishing bans.

Fishing opportunities for almost all stocks are to be significantly reduced in 2026.

German Baltic Sea fishermen are currently authorized to catch herring using small boats and passive gear such as gillnets.

In addition, a certain amount may be caught as "by-catch" when fishing for other species.

The Agriculture Ministry explained that it is in favour of sustainable stock management based on scientific recommendations.

This means it does not support measures that are unnecessary for stock recovery, but would put German coastal fisheries under severe pressure - especially for herring and cod.

Overall, significant progress has been made towards greater sustainability in fisheries in the Baltic Sea, the ministry said.