Times are hard for cutter and coastal fishermen. On the Baltic Sea, many are thinking about giving up the business. Part of the fleet will also be scrapped this year.
Schwerin (dpa/mv) - In Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania, eleven applications for scrapping premiums for Baltic Sea fishing cutters were received shortly before this year's deadline. This was announced by the responsible Ministry of Agriculture on request. The deadline ended on August 15, now the applications are being processed. In the first round of scrapping in 2021, 20 applications were received.
The premiums are intended to motivate fishermen to reduce their fishing capacity. Fish species such as cod and herring are under severe pressure in the Baltic Sea, partly because of climate change. The European Union has repeatedly lowered catch quotas to protect stocks. As a result, fishing is not worthwhile for more and more fishermen.
According to the ministry, 618 fishing vessels are currently registered for the M-V fishing fleet (as of August 15). There are 224 full-time businesses and 155 sideline businesses. However, not all companies are currently active - that is, not all of them acquired the required fishing permit for this year. Only full-time businesses are eligible for bonuses.
From the point of view of the Ministry of Agriculture in Schwerin, the difficult situation will continue for several years. The quota situation is disastrous. The premiums are intended to provide financial and social cushion for companies that want to downsize or even give up altogether. The premiums depend on the vehicle size and are between 15,000 euros and 5,000 euros per gross tonnage (GT). Maximum limits per class apply.
