Is this a steady moment for Baltic cod? The situation is critical

Even a few years ago, cod was one of the most important symbols of the Baltic Sea and the foundations of fishing activities. Today, its population is in critical condition, which represents a serious threat to both the marine environment and fishing.

The state of the cod population has led to a ban on its fishing, which in recent years has become an essential tool for the conservation of this species. Despite media interest in the topic, the scale of the threat is still not fully aware of the public.

Baltic under pressure of many years of negligence

However, the prohibition of fishing has not solved the problem as its sources are environmental and have been growing for decades. In practice, this means that limiting fishing alone is not enough without improving the marine environment.

Climate change and many years of environmental pressure have influenced the current crisis. For decades, pollution from industry, agriculture and the municipal economy has been entering the Baltic. Anaerobic zones remain the biggest problem for cod, which limit areas capable of sustaining biological life.

The effects of overfishing in the past are also a significant factor. Restoring a population of predatory fish requires many years of stable environmental conditions, which are currently missing.

Anaerobic zones and temperature increase

Anaerobic zones at the seabed in which young individuals do not have conditions for feeding and growth remain the biggest problem for cod.

At the same time, the waters of the Baltic Sea are steadily warming – on average about 0.4°C per decade. This change reduces areas suitable for life for species requiring cold and well-oxygenated waters.

Critical state of the cod population

According to the International Council for the Exploration of the Sea (ICES), East Baltic cod biomass is among the lowest in over 70 years and the population's capacity for natural recovery remains very limited.

The provisions in force allow only small quantities of catches during fishing for other species. This solution limits Fishing pressure, but does not remove the main causes of the crisis.

The current situation of cod is the result of long-term overfishing and deteriorating marine environment. Eutrophication of waters leading to the formation of anaerobic zones and the specificity of the Baltic Sea, which, as shallow waters and with limited water exchange, remains particularly vulnerable to environmental changes, is particularly important.

Fishing decline – comparison with the 1980s

In 2024, the total catches of fish and marine organisms in Poland amounted to 130.7 thousand tonnes, of which 75.5 thousand tonnes fell to the Baltic Sea. This was a score lower by more than 20% compared to the previous year and by as much as 44% compared to 2015. In the case of cod, targeted catches remain virtually halted and the permitted limits cover only small quantities of catches.

Even in the 1980s, Polish fishermen fished more than 120 thousand tons of cod per year, making this species the basis Fisheries activities. Today's limitations, bringing fishing to symbolic catch levels, show the scale of changes in the Baltic Sea ecosystem.

Rebuilding the population requires long-term action

Improving the situation of cod depends on achieving a good marine environment and reducing pollution. The stability of the entire food chain, including the availability of species that are the food base of cod, is also crucial.

These actions require close cooperation between the Baltic States and consistent implementation of the recommendations of scientific institutions.

The future of cod depends on decisions taken today, not tomorrow

Despite the critical situation, recovery of the cod population remains possible, but requires time and consistent action. The history of marine resource management shows that even heavily reduced populations can reproduce if they are given stable conditions environmental.

Any delay increases the risk of permanent damage to the environment and fisheries sector. The decisions taken today will determine whether cod will remain part of the Baltic ecosystem or only become a symbol of lost opportunities.