The plan is a big step forward in making fishing in the Baltic more sustainable. It will replace the existing cod management plan (which no longer addresses the needs of fisheries and the status of the cod stocks in Baltic) and bring the fishing sector from the region closer to the decision making process in fisheries management. The approved plan is flexible enough to adapt to the realities of fisheries and to the conditions of fish stocks, ensuring that the best science is always used for the decisions on how fisheries should be managed.

The European Commissioner for Environment, Fisheries and Maritime Affairs Karmenu Vella said:  

"I welcome the approval of the Baltic Plan by the plenary of the European Parliament, the first multiannual fisheries management plan of the new Common Fisheries. I would like to acknowledge the amendments made by the European Parliament that address the issue of the impact of fishing activities on the marine ecosystem, making this way our policies on fisheries and environment more coherent in the region. Today's vote gives an important political signal for the future plans to come".

More information

European Fisheries Ministers endorse Baltic Plan