Our last report (Cost Effective phosphorus management measures, June 2010) describe the cost effective management measures to reduce nutrient leaching, with a focus on phosphorus, from intensive pig production. The report provides concrete measures that can be included as well in national and European legislation as in practice. We believe that the proposed management measures, combined with the use of cost-effective manure management techniques, can help countries in the region to achieve their national commitments to the HELCOM Baltic Sea Action Plan, and objectives of the EU IPPC Directive (Integrated Pollution Prevention and Control). The report has been received by the EU and we have received positive feedback.

The annual advice from the International Council for the Exploration of the Sea (ICES) show that the eastern stock has increased to levels comparable to those in the 1980’s.

ICES concludes that the cod stock has improved and recommends a quota increase of 15%, which is in line with the management plan. However, it is also important to develop management plans for herring and sprat in the Baltic Sea so that the interaction between species in the ecosystem can be ensured.