Workshop Ecosystem-Based Management and Fisheries

Regulatory & Policy Landscape

EU Fisheries Policy and EBFM:

• The Common Fisheries Policy (CFP) Article 2.3 requires Ecosystem-Based Fisheries Management (EBFM), but implementation remains weak due to political compromises (e.g., Bothnian herring quotas set at 55,000t).
• HELCOM’s Role: While HELCOM’s EBFM working group has developed guidelines, only 4 Baltic species are currently in "good ecological status" according to HOLAS assessments.
• Challenges in Fisheries Governance: Fragmented national interests and short-term economic priorities often override scientific advice. The precautionary approach is rarely applied, even for collapsed stocks like Baltic cod.

Scientific Insights & Challenges

EBFM Concepts and Baltic Realities:

• Over the past decade, EBFM principles (e.g., multispecies management, habitat protection) have gained theoretical traction but face implementation gaps. Stakeholders highlighted confusion between terms like EBM, EBFM, and EAM.
• Climate Change and Fisheries: The Biodiversa+ project "CLIMFISH" studies how warming waters affect fish distributions (e.g., cod thresholds at 16°C). Warmer temperatures may require redefining traditional stock boundaries.
• Baltic Cod Collapse: ICES data shows the eastern Baltic cod stock remains below safe biological limits. Discussions emphasized the need for ecosystem-linked reference points (e.g., "Feco") rather than single-species MSY.

Community & Business Engagement

Fisheries and Local Livelihoods:

• The "Pike Factories" initiative (Swedish Anglers’ Association) demonstrated how restoring wetlands can revive predatory fish populations, benefiting both ecosystems and recreational fishing.
• BalticWaters’ ReCod Project: Explored restocking cod through aquaculture, with early trials showing adaptation potential. Challenges include high costs and scalability.
• Stakeholder Conflicts: Small-scale fishers expressed frustration over quotas favoring industrial fleets. The Stockholm Archipelago co-management model was presented as a way to balance ecological and economic needs.

Takeaway Messages & Action Points

For Policymakers & Environmental Organizations:

• Strengthen enforcement of CFP’s EBFM mandate through legal action (e.g., challenging quota violations).
• Support regional EBFM pilots (e.g., Stockholm Archipelago) to test co-management approaches.
• Advocate for HELCOM Baltic Sea Action Plan reforms to align fisheries with biodiversity goals.

For Scientists & Researchers:

• Develop practical EBFM metrics (e.g., "Feco") for ICES advice.
• Prioritize studies on climate-resilient fisheries and multispecies interactions.
• Expand fisher participation in data collection (e.g., BalticWaters’ fisher surveys).

For Industry & Local Communities:

• Promote alternative livelihoods (e.g., restorative aquaculture like ReCod).
• Improve consumer awareness of sustainable Baltic seafood choices.
• Engage in regional working groups (e.g., HELCOM’s EBFM network) to voice concerns.

Next Steps & Future Meetings

• Final Conference: Stralsund, Germany (September 2025) –  Baltic Marine ecosystems
• Continued Collaboration: Join the Baltic Coast Dialogue Network for updates.

Join our network HERE