Amendments tabled exclusively by the European People's Party (EPP) to a European Parliament report on the Baltic Sea multiannual plan call on the European Commission to take urgent and effective action to manage populations of great cormorants and grey seals, which the party says are having a significant impact on fish stocks and the fishing sector. The amendments, published on 12 May 2026 as part of the report by rapporteur Isabella Lövin (Greens/EFA), shift the report's focus from a general review to a specific demand for active, science-based management interventions, including potential culling, challenging the current strict protection of these species under EU law.
The amendments are the only ones tabled to the report, indicating a strategic push by the EPP to prioritise the economic viability of commercial and recreational fishing and aquaculture over the conservation of protected predators. Amendment 10 reinforces the problem statement in a recital, while Amendment 11 introduces a new paragraph (36a) that explicitly calls on the Commission to enable Member States to implement targeted and locally tailored management measures based on the best available scientific data. The absence of counter-amendments from other groups, such as the Greens/EFA or S&D, suggests either tacit agreement or a decision to debate the issue during the plenary vote, where a divergence of opinion is expected.
Policy orientations and trade-offs The amendments represent a direct challenge to the Birds and Habitats Directives, which currently afford strict protection to great cormorants and grey seals. The EPP argues that the existing regulatory framework is insufficient to address the significant impact of these species on juvenile cod and aquaculture, and that urgent action is needed to restore balance. The trade-off is between species conservation and the economic interests of the fishing sector, with the EPP favouring active population control over a precautionary, ecosystem-based approach. The amendments also shift the locus of action from the EU to Member States, allowing for regional adaptation but potentially leading to fragmented implementation.
Impact on stakeholders - Commercial and recreational fishers: Positive impact if management measures reduce predation on fish stocks, improving catch rates and economic viability. However, any culling programmes may face legal challenges or public opposition. - Aquaculture operators: Positive impact if cormorant and seal populations are controlled, reducing damage to fish farms and lowering operational costs. - Environmental NGOs and conservationists: Negative impact, as active management of protected species could set a precedent for weakening EU nature legislation and undermine conservation goals. - EU and national regulatory bodies: Moderate impact, as they would need to develop and implement science-based management plans, potentially requiring amendments to the Birds and Habitats Directives or their interpretation.
Expected institutional follow-up The amendments will be voted on during the European Parliament's plenary session, where the full chamber will decide whether to adopt them as part of the final report. If adopted, the report will become a non-binding resolution but will carry political weight, pressuring the Commission to propose legislative or regulatory changes. The Council and the Commission will then consider the Parliament's position, with the Commission expected to respond formally within three months. The issue may also feed into ongoing reviews of the Common Fisheries Policy and the EU's biodiversity strategy.
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