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 2023 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 Goals

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 for salmon and eel
   • Proposing concrete restoration targets for upstream migration barriers, as agreed upon in the revised HELCOM BSAP.

Sustainable Agriculture and Chemicals Management

In 2023, CCB also aims to support actions addressing:

• Sustainable agriculture (greening of Common Agricultural Policy and Farm-to-Fork strategy)
• Safe chemicals management (EU Chemicals Strategy)
• Minimizing industrial discharges (Zero Pollution Action Plan)

These efforts are to ensure that the EU Green Deal, as a blueprint for transformational change, is implemented to improve the well-being and health of citizens.

Contribution to EU Legislation

CCB aims to contribute, propose improvements, and find ways to better implement the key EU legislation relating to our oceans (MSFD). CCB will also actively support the implementation of the EU Biodiversity Strategy and HELCOM BSAP.

Awareness of Current Events

CCB is acutely aware of the impacts of the war in Ukraine. CCB has and will continuously take stock of implications for our work plan and revise accordingly, e.g., channels and fora to target, and activities to prioritize.