Increased protection granted to five Natura 2000 sites in the Baltic Sea

Today, the EU adopted a set of conservation measures to strengthen the environmental protection of five Natura 2000 sites in the German Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) of the Baltic Sea. The initiative, put forward by Germany and agreed by all Baltic EU countries, prohibits fishing with mobile bottom contacting gears in areas of the Fehmarnbelt, Kadetrinne and Pommersche Bucht mit Oderbank and in the entire sites of the Westliche Rönnebank and Adlergrund.

The measures will protect sensitive seabed habitats, such as sandbanks and reefs, and will contribute to revert the unfavourable environmental status of species and biotopes.

The reinforced protection of these marine areas is a success of the regionalisation process of the common fisheries policy (CFP). They stem from a joint recommendation proposed by the Baltic EU countries to the European Commission.

The Scientific, Technical and Economic Committee for Fisheries (STECF) assessed the measures positively, as they deliver on the European Green Deal and the EU's Biodiversity Strategy for 2030, and contribute to the objectives of the Nature Restoration Law. The measures also help implement the Habitats Directive and the Marine Strategy Framework Directive (MSFD).

More information

Biodiversity strategy for 2030

The EU Nature Restoration Law

The Habitats Directive

EU Marine Strategy Framework Directive

Commission Delegated Regulation (EU) 2024/2943 of 17 September 2024 amending Delegated Regulation (EU) 2017/117 as regards fisheries conservation measures in the Baltic Sea areas of Fehmarnbelt, Kadetrinne, Westliche Rönnebank, Adlergrund and Pommersche Bucht mit Oderbank

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