Implementation of Ecosystem Based Management

Introduction

This proposal constitutes the basis for implementing Ecosystem Based Management under the Annual Work Plan of Action of the Coalition Clean Baltic network for 2022 and is a part of the Multi-Annual Framework Partnership for 2022-2024.

Objectives

CCB's main aims are to continue to uphold our regional NGO network capacity to take part in policy shaping and policy implementation on EU, Baltic Sea Region, and national levels. With that, we aim to increase the chances of acceptance and support for EU priorities regarding nature, biodiversity, and quality of life.

Specific Actions

More specifically, with this Work Plan, CCB aims to:

1. Improve the protection of threatened species such as:

   • The critically endangered Baltic harbour porpoise
   • The European eel
   • Endemic wild salmon stocks

2. Support the further establishment of marine protected areas.

3. Continue to push for the phase-out of targeted eel fishery, especially the recreational fishery.

4. Support both eel and salmon through:

   • Development of changed management strategies for salmon and eel
   • Proposal of concrete restoration targets for upstream migration barriers, as agreed upon in the revised HELCOM Baltic Sea Action Plan.

Sustainable Agriculture and Chemicals Management

In the coming period, CCB also aims to support actions addressing sustainable agriculture, as outlined in:

• Greening of the Common Agricultural Policy
• Farm-to-Fork strategy

Additionally, we will focus on safe chemicals management (EU Chemicals Strategy) and minimizing industrial discharges (Zero Pollution Action Plan). This is to ensure that the EU Green Deal, as a blueprint for transformational change, is implemented to improve the well-being and health of citizens and future generations as a cooperative, debated, collective plan.

Legislative Contributions

CCB aims to contribute, propose improvements, and find ways to better implement the key EU legislation relating to our oceans, namely the Marine Strategy Framework Directive, which is now under review until at least the end of 2023. CCB will also actively support the implementation of the EU Biodiversity Strategy and HELCOM BSAP.