Crisis in Baltic Sea Fisheries

The Baltic Sea fisheries in Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania and Schleswig-Holstein are facing a severe crisis. Both full-time and part-time fishermen are dwindling in numbers due to declining herring and cod stocks, along with rising nutrient inputs.

The vocational school in Sassnitz, once bustling with trainees, now hosts only two students, a stark contrast to its past during the GDR era. Many fishermen are shifting from full-time to part-time roles as the number of fishing companies plummets.

From 385 businesses in 2021, the count is projected to fall to 303 by 2024. In response, Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania aims to sustain training programs to combat the growing shortage of skilled workers in the industry.