Till Backhaus visits the Institute of Baltic Sea Fisheries

The discussion focused on fish stocks, scientific forecasts, and joint initiatives by the federal and state governments:

Cod

• Both the eastern and western cod stocks remain in a critical situation.
• The main causes are pressures on the ecosystem such as oxygen depletion, temperature changes, and food availability.
• The feasibility of measures such as ecological improvements to habitats will be examined.

Herring

• A new benchmarking system adapted to changed environmental conditions is planned, which will enable fish stocks to be assessed more accurately.
• The state hopes to resume regular herring fishing from 2027.
• The state and federal governments are currently investing around €1.75 million in scientific projects to further develop the management of herring stocks.

Sea trout

• It has become one of the most frequently caught fish species in coastal areas.
• A sustainable stock management plan is to be developed for sea trout.  A joint three-year research project is planned from 2027.
• Further spawning protection areas are to be designated in Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania.

Research and cooperation

The state, federal government, and other stakeholders in the fishing industry could work together on various projects in the future, for example

• when financial support for fishermen from the European Maritime and Fisheries Fund expires,
• in supporting initiatives such as Sea Ranger e.V.,
• in developing and implementing seal-safe fishing gear.

The minister explicitly acknowledged the work of the Thünen Institute: "The research of the Thünen Institute is indispensable for realistic perspectives on Baltic Sea fisheries. We need fact-based assessments that take into account both the protection of stocks and the economic existence of our coastal fisheries," said Backhaus.