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.