BalticWaters has been reappointed to the Executive Committee of the EU’s Baltic Sea Advisory Council (BSAC). The mandate runs for three years and gives the foundation the opportunity to participate in discussions and influence regulations governing Baltic Sea fisheries.
The Committee is made up of various stakeholders with an interest in fisheries in the Baltic Sea, including small-scale and large-scale fishermen, environmental organizations, anglers and the processing industry. The members meet regularly to discuss issues related to fisheries and provide advice to the European Commission under the EU’s Common Fisheries Policy.
The renewed mandate gives BalticWaters the opportunity to continue to promote a sustainable fisheries policy, for example by influencing fishing quotas in the Baltic Sea at an early stage and highlighting the need for increased scientific advice from the International Council for the Exploration of the Sea (ICES).
– We are pleased to have been reappointed to the Committee. It is important for the foundation’s work that we engage in dialogue with other stakeholders and contribute to the development of the EU regulatory framework, says Konrad Stralka, executive director BalticWaters.
The Committee’s work this year will focus on several aspects of fishing in the Baltic Sea, including the sustainability of fish stocks in relation to fishing opportunities. The question of how fisheries management can take greater account of the impact of fishing on the ecosystem will also be discussed, as will the impact of climate change on the Baltic Sea. A large part of the work will also be devoted to the upcoming review of the EU’s Common Fisheries Policy.
Read more about BSAC here.
