Decisive action is needed, in particular for western and eastern cod, for western and Bothnian herring, as well as for the European eel stock, the latter being in a critical state. The Commissioner will also highlight the positive developments on salmon, sprat and central herring. For these stocks, the Commission has been able to propose an increase of Total Allowable Catches, thanks to the sustainable management over the past years. These increased fishing opportunities will improve the profitability of the relevant fleets. The Commission proposal is based on scientific advice and is in line with the EU's Common Fisheries Policy and the Baltic multiannual fisheries management plan.

In addition, the Commissioner will discuss with ministers the annual meeting of intergovernmental fisheries organisation ICCAT, which will take place from 14 to 22 November in Marrakesh. Following successful EU-led pushes to halt the decline in Bluefin tuna and swordfish stocks, particular attention will be paid to the shortfin mako this year.

Commissioner Vella will also participate in an exchange of views on the EU-Norway annual consultation in the framework of the bilateral fisheries agreement. The consultations with Norway on fisheries arrangements for 2018 will take place in Bergen at the end of November.

Finally Commissioner Vella will present a state of play on the implementation of the European Maritime and Fisheries Fund. He will call on ministers to designate the remaining national authorities in charge of the EMFF funding quickly, and to speed up the implementation of projects on the ground.

More information:

European Commission proposal for Baltic fishing opportunities