European perch

The farming of European perch in Western Europe is performing well. The species is farmed on a limited scale in recirculating aquaculture systems (RAS), where the entire life cycle takes place in captivity.

Recirculating aquaculture systems reduce water use, decrease the discharge of waste products and reduce the risk of escapes. Escaped farmed perch can, however, affect wild populations. Diseases occur, but outbreaks are rare, and the spread of diseases and chemicals into the environment remains limited due to the closed system. RAS does require more energy than other farming systems, and the feed used contains relatively high levels of fish oil.

Management is considered largely effective. There are no Aquaculture Improvement Programs (AIPs) or independent sustainability certifications available for this species.

The status of perch stocks in the central and northern Baltic Sea is moderate. The stocks in the Bothnian Sea and Bothnian Bay appear to be within biologically safe limits, but stocks in the Baltic Sea further south are under pressure and the status of Estonian stocks is uncertain due to high fishing pressure and insufficient data.

Fishing with fyke nets and other fixed traps has little bycatch of vulnerable (ETP) species, although seals and birds are occasionally caught. There is little data on discards, but the survival rate of released fish appears to be high. In Estonia, relatively large numbers of undersized perch are caught despite the minimum size limit. The impact on the ecosystem is limited and the fishing gear used causes little damage to the seabed, although fyke nets in coastal areas can locally affect vulnerable habitats. CO₂ emissions from the fishery are low, but lost fishing gear remains a concern.

Management is considered partially effective. Stocks are monitored in Sweden and Estonia, but insufficient data and inadequate enforcement make it difficult to properly assess stock development. Additional measures, such as improved data collection, stricter enforcement of minimum size limits and additional closed periods, are needed to better protect the stocks.

The status of perch stocks in the Baltic Sea is moderate. The stocks in the Bothnian Sea and Bothnian Bay appear to be within biologically safe limits, but stocks in the Baltic Sea further south are under pressure. In Poland, the situation varies: some stocks in the west are below the desired level, while insufficient data are available for the central and eastern coasts.

Fishing with anchored gillnets has a high bycatch of vulnerable (ETP) species, particularly harbour porpoises and seabirds. Discards occur but appear to remain limited. The impact on the ecosystem is expected to be low, although gillnets in coastal areas can disturb seagrass meadows. CO₂ emissions from the fishery are low, but lost gillnets pose a high risk to the marine environment.

Management is considered partially effective. Stocks are not adequately monitored everywhere and there is insufficient data to properly assess the status of all local populations. Additional measures are also needed to further reduce bycatch of vulnerable species, discards and lost fishing gear and to improve enforcement of the rules.