New obligations for Baltic fishing vessels: what changes in 2026

Key data

Vessel owners and fishermen operating in the Baltic Sea have new obligations following the publication of the Delegated Regulation (EU) 2026/450, in force since 1 July 2026. The regulation amends Regulation (EU) 2019/1241 and strengthens mitigation measures to reduce accidental catches of harbour porpoise (Phocoena phocoena), a critically endangered species whose resident population in the Baltic is estimated at only a few hundred individuals.

This is not a recommendation: it is an obligation with direct consequences for fishing rights. Fleets that do not adapt their operations face sanctions and loss of access to fishing grounds.

What does this regulation establish?

Delegated Regulation 2026/450 strengthens the mitigation measures already in place in Regulation (EU) 2019/1241. The specific changes it introduces are as follows:

The context is decisive: the resident population of harbour porpoise in the Baltic is in a critical situation, with only a few hundred individuals. The EU considers that previous measures have not been sufficient and therefore strengthens the regulatory framework through this delegated regulation.

Economic and operational impact

Adapting to this regulation has real costs for vessel owners. The main economic and operational impacts are:

• Cost of acquiring pingers: If the mandatory use of acoustic deterrent devices is confirmed, each vessel will need to be equipped with them. The cost will depend on the number of gear units and the type of device required.
• Modification or replacement of fishing gear: Adapting nets or other equipment to meet new requirements can represent a significant investment, especially for small vessels.
• Loss of fishing days: Possible temporal or spatial restrictions may reduce the effective activity of the fleet in certain areas or times of year.
• Risk of sanctions: Non-compliance may result in economic sanctions and, in the most serious cases, loss of fishing rights, which represents the greatest financial risk for a vessel owner.
• Administrative burden: National authorities will need to implement control mechanisms, which may result in greater documentation and justification requirements for operators.

The regulation does not specify concrete amounts for sanctions or adaptation costs, so each operator must consult with their competent national authority to understand the specific requirements applicable to their fleet.

Who does it affect?

• Vessel owners and fishing companies with vessels operating in the Baltic Sea with active fishing gear (gillnets, trammel nets, bottom longlines or other gear with risk of accidental cetacean catch).
• Professional fishermen operating in Baltic waters, regardless of nationality, as long as they operate in the regulated area.
• National authorities of Member States with fleets in the Baltic (Poland, Germany, Denmark, Sweden, Finland, Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania), which must ensure effective implementation of the regulation.
• Fishing associations and sector organizations that must inform and guide their members on the new obligations.

Practical example

A Polish vessel owner operating with bottom gillnets in the central Baltic will need to review whether their gear falls within the scope of Regulation 2026/450. If so, they will need to:

1. Equip their nets with acoustic deterrent devices (pingers) if required by the applicable regulation.
2. Verify whether there are spatial or temporal restrictions in the areas where they normally fish.
3. Document compliance with the Polish national fishing authority, which is responsible for ensuring effective implementation of the regulation.

If they do not adapt their activity and are inspected, they face economic sanctions and, in the worst scenario, loss of their fishing rights in that area. Given that the Baltic porpoise population is estimated at only a few hundred individuals, regulatory and control pressure on the fleet is expected to be high.

What should companies do now?

1. Identify if your fleet operates in the Baltic with affected gear: Review which vessels and fishing gear you have active in the area regulated by Regulation (EU) 2019/1241, now amended.
2. Consult with the competent national authority: Each Member State must communicate specific requirements. Contact the national fishing authority to find out what specific measures apply to you and the timelines.
3. Evaluate the cost of adaptation: Request quotes for the acquisition of pingers and for possible modification of fishing gear. Include this cost in your financial planning for 2026.
4. Review possible aid or funds: Check whether the European Maritime, Fisheries and Aquaculture Fund (EMFAF) or national funds provide aid for adaptation to these mitigation measures.
5. Document compliance: Keep updated records of installed equipment and areas and periods of activity to demonstrate compliance during inspections.
6. Attention to the risk of loss of fishing rights: Non-compliance not only implies fines: it can result in loss of access rights to fishing grounds, which represents the greatest risk to business viability.

Official source

Consult full regulation at official source

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. For specific decisions, consult a qualified professional. Source: https://eur-lex.europa.eu/./legal-content/AUTO/?uri=CELEX:32026R0450