Commission proposal for Baltic TAC 2026

The Commission has published its proposal on the fishing opportunities for the Baltic Sea stocks for 2026. Read more from the Commission here and see table below for comparison.

Herring stocks and sprat:

• Regarding Western herring, as the stock remains significantly below minimum levels, the Commission is proposing to remove the exemption for small-scale fisheries and reduce the bycatch TAC by 50%.
• The Bothnian herring stock continues to decrease, so the Commission proposes a TAC level that should ensure with a high probability that the stock will not fall below the minimum biomass reference level. Additionally, the Commission is proposing a three-month spawning closure in shallow coastal waters to support successful spawning and the eventual recovery of the stock.
• A cautious approach is proposed for Central herring, as ICES forecasts positive stock development, albeit with some uncertainty. The Commission also proposes a three-month spawning closure in shallow coastal waters to support successful spawning.
• For Riga herring, the Commission proposes setting the catch limits according to the maximum level advised by ICES.
• The size of the Sprat stock is at its lowest level since 1990 and is approaching unhealthy levels. Despite ICES estimating record-high recruitment, the Commission is therefore proposing a cautious approach, maintaining the 2025 TAC and the three-month spawning closure.

Next steps:

The Council will discuss the Commission’s proposal at its meeting on 27–28 October.

At EFFOP, we have advocated to the Commission that TACs should be aligned with scientific advice from ICES, and we will continue to call on Member States to support the setting of TACs based on ICES recommendations.

The table below shows the scientific advice from ICES, and the European Commission’s proposal alongside the TACs defined for 2025: