Latvia Opposes Lower Cod Bycatch Limit in the Baltic Sea for 2027
The European Commission proposes substantially raising the 2027 catch limits for herring and sprat in the Baltic Sea while cutting the cod bycatch limit. Latvia's Ministry of Agriculture promises to oppose the proposal, and fishermen fear for the industry's future.
The European Commission, the executive body of the European Union, has proposed significantly increasing the 2027 catch limits for herring and sprat in the Baltic Sea, while reducing the limit for cod bycatch. Bycatch is cod that ends up in nets alongside other fish species that fishermen are deliberately targeting.
Latvia's Ministry of Agriculture says that, until a final decision is made, it will speak out against the proposal. The ministry has promised to fight to keep cod bycatch at a higher level than the Commission suggests.
Fishermen, for their part, voice concern that the Commission's proposal puts the future of the fishing industry at risk. No final decision on next year's limits has been taken yet, so Latvia's position and the industry's objections may still influence the outcome of the talks.
The information was reported by Latvian Radio.
