EU proposes cuts to Baltic fishing quotas, raising concerns for Polish fishers

Polish fishers could face further restrictions in 2026, as European Union ministers prepare to negotiate Baltic Sea fishing quotas on Monday in Luxembourg, Beata Płomecka, Polish Radio’s Brussels correspondent, reported.

Polish fishers face steep EU-imposed cuts to Baltic Sea quotas in 2026, with cod bycatch and other species limits set to fall sharply.

Photo: Fotogra/Unsplash.com/CC0

The European Commission proposed the reductions in August, citing the collapse of fish stocks and the need for urgent replenishment.

The plan would deliver another blow to Baltic fishers, including those from Poland.

Under the proposal, bycatch of cod - caught unintentionally while targeting other species - would be cut by 63 percent in the eastern Baltic, primarily affecting Polish fishers, and by 84 percent in the western Baltic. Limits for herring, plaice, and salmon are also expected to be reduced.

Płomecka noted that EU countries often revise Commission proposals during negotiations, which could moderate some of the cuts.

(mp)

Source: IAR/PR24/Radio Poland