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Sweden Today

Swedish news in English

Thursday, October 17, 2024

Baltic Herring at Risk: Crucial Vote Looms

Published: 2024-09-22

The future of herring in the Baltic Sea is at a crossroads as Swedish members of the European Parliament's fisheries committee prepare to vote on a crucial proposal.

The proposal seeks to remove existing safeguards against overfishing, a move that has sparked significant debate.

Liberal MEP Karin Karlsbro urges her colleagues to protect the herring by voting against the proposal, emphasizing the need for sustainable fishing practices to preserve the Baltic Sea's fragile ecosystem.

Meanwhile, the International Council for the Exploration of the Sea (ICES) has recommended increasing herring quotas in the Bothnian Sea, despite concerns from local fishermen and environmental groups about dwindling fish stocks.

The Swedish government, led by Rural Affairs Minister Peter Kullgren, aims to advocate for lower quotas to ensure the long-term viability of the herring population.

The upcoming vote is expected to be closely contested, with significant implications for the future of the Baltic Sea's marine life.