WCC 2020 Res 107 - Activity Report

Campaign for reducing all human induced mortality on eel. All eel related activities were aimed at reducing the eel mortality and increase out-migrating spawners. CCB ambition to at least achieve a ban on recreational fishing in the Baltic region as a measure in the updated Baltic Sea Action Plan (BSAP) failed, supported only by a few states (SE, DE). The ICES advice in November 2021, and consequent steps taken by the DG Mare since then, indicates a potential opening up for further measures. CCB has increased coordination activities surrounding eel management mainly together with the Fisheries Secretariat, but also including members well outside the Baltic region (Med, Uk). CCB is part of the core group and takes part in the regular coordination calls. CCBs expertise has helped national NGOs to address eel domestically with special focus on Germany and Denmark, but also in Spain and Netherlands.

Long-term cod recovery plan. There is still no set plan for cod recovery as CCB had hoped for. Building on what is now several years advocating for a total stop for all cod fishing, CCB has, with strong support from members continued this during 2021 e.g., creating and presenting NGOs proposals for Total Allowable Catches (TACs) and PR linked to this. CCB also has advocated for further long-term measures, such as permanent and complete closure of the only known spawning areas (Bornholm deep) of the eastern stock and a shift towards a new marine management system. Active participation in BSAC, BALTFISH, HELCOM has all followed the same line. In 2021, CCB has turned more focus to deliver inputs to the Biodiversity Strategy deliverables such as the Action Plan for fisheries and a new Restoration Law that both have direct implications for cod and long-term efforts on wider marine management.