Baltic Herring Fishing Under Legal Scrutiny: NGOs Take the Fight to EU Court

The Baltic Sea's herring stocks have been in a critical state for years. © Creative Common

The Baltic Sea's herring stocks have been in a critical state for years, and now Coalition Clean Baltic (CCB) – a network of environmental NGOs - has taken the battle to the highest legal level in Europe. CCB has indeed appealed to the European Court of Justice, demanding that the EU Council´s decision on EU fishing quotas for 2024 for the Baltic herring be declared invalid due to the severe collapse of its population. 

CCB argues that the current quotas are not sustainable and are in violation of EU laws, particularly regarding the use of the precautionary principle and commitments for marine protection and conservation. They seek a suspension of commercial fishing quotas to give herring populations a chance to rebound.  

The European Court is now reviewing their appeal, a decision that could set a crucial precedent for how the EU Council manages fishing practices taking into account the ecosystem needs in the future. 

As we await the court's decision, CCB continues to campaign for a healthier Baltic Sea and sustainable fishing practices. Support their cause - become a Herring Hero!