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Fishing catch limits in the Baltic Sea for 2027 – key decisions and their impact on the Common Agricultural Policy after 2027

Fishing catch limits in the Baltic Sea for 2027 – key decisions and their impact on the Common Agricultural Policy after 2027

November 2, 2026
4 minutes

KEY FACTS

At the meeting of the EU Agriculture and Fisheries Council, catch limits in the Baltic Sea for 2027 have been agreed (it is important to emphasise that the existing limits have remained unchanged on many issues, however, in relation to the remaining aspects, they often have increased – this will be discussed in detail below).

These decisions represent a major step towards guaranteeing fishermen the opportunity to operate at such a level that would ensure their economic stability, predictability and real business security.

Issues regarding catch limits was a subject of contention, as the European Commission’s narrative and proposals were met with a firm rejection by the Polish delegation in Luxembourg.

On 26 October 2026, important decisions were made regarding catch limits in the Baltic Sea for 2027. This was the result of discussions at the meeting of the EU Agriculture and Fisheries Council (AGRIFISH) in Luxembourg. This article outlines the most significant decisions and their impact on the future and further development of the fishery sector.

Objection to the narrative of the European Commission

It is worth to explicitly emphasize that the objection to the proposal of the European Commission raised by Polish representatives constituted an important starting point for a broader debate on the matter of feasibility and consequences of the proposed measures. Thanks to the firm approach of the Polish representatives, the limits adopted under the regulation are satisfactory from the perspective of Polish interests.

  • In this case, it is worth to quote the standpoint of Undersecretary of State – Adam Nowak: “We prioritize the protection of the Baltic Sea’s fish stocks. I am pleased that next year’s fishing quotas – according to our requirements – have not been reduced, but have been maintained at the same level or increased.  Reaching a balanced decision in this regard will ensure that fishermen can continue their activities at a level ensuring economic stability”.
  • Furthermore, it should be emphasised that Poland consistently pursues efforts to simplify EU regulations and procedures regarding broadly understood fishery, in particular with regard to the common fishery policy and multiannual management plans of this sector. This is important information for any entity that is actively involved in the Baltic Sea fishery sector. According to the Deputy Minister: “Legal regulations governing fisheries are intended to support the sector – not to burden it. Therefore, we remain committed to introducing changes that will reduce unnecessary administrative burdens and strengthen the sector’s competitiveness.” This is a positive sign for the entire fishery industry and a promising perspective for more reliable business planning.

What are the consequences of changing catch limits in the Baltic Sea for 2027? What figures are we talking about?

In accordance with the regulation adopted for 2027, the following catch quotas have been determined in the Baltic Sea:

  • Species – cod (subdivisions 22–24 and quotas intended solely for by-catch) – EU quota 266 tonnes, Polish quota 31 tonnes = therefore, the difference compared with 2026 amounts to 0.00%;
  • Species – cod (subdivisions 25–32 and quotas intended solely for by-catch) – EU quota 430 tonnes, Polish quota 113 tonnes = therefore, the difference compared with 2026 amounts to 0.00%;
  • Species – herring (subdivisions 22–24 and catch quotas intended solely for by-catch) – EU quota 788 tonnes, Polish quota 103 tonnes = therefore, the difference compared with 2026 amounts to 0.00%;
  • Species – herring (subdivisions 25-29, excluding the Gulf of Riga) – EU quota 165 228 tonnes, Polish quota 41 165 tonnes = therefore, the difference compared with 2026 amounts to +71.00%;
  • Species – plaice (subdivisions 22–32) – EU quota 11,237 tonnes, Polish quota 1 684 tonnes) = the difference compared with 2026 therefore amounts to +3.00%;
  • Species – salmon (subdivisions 22–31 and catch quotas intended solely for by-catch) – EU quota 25 537 specimens, Polish quota 1 605 specimens = therefore, the difference compared with 2026 amounts to 0.00%;
  • Species – sprat (subdivisions 22–32) – EU quota 291 590 tonnes, Polish quota 85,610 tonnes = therefore, the difference compared with 2026 amounts to +44.00%.

To sum up – adopting new catch limits will help to improve the situation for Polish fishermen and increase the profitability of catches. Proper catch rules will enable better management of fish stocks in the Baltic Sea and support their natural recovery. The adopted changes may also help to safeguard jobs and ensure greater financial stability for those working in the fishing industry. As a result, the Polish fishing sector will be better placed to develop and compete on European markets.

However, it is crucial that the new limits balance the business needs of fishermen with the protection of the marine environment and the conservation of fish stocks for future generations.

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