About the Baltic Sea AC

The Baltic Sea Advisory Council (BSAC) is one of the European Union’s Advisory Councils established to provide stakeholder advice on the implementation and development of the Common Fisheries Policy (CFP) and other policies affecting the Baltic Sea.

Since its establishment in 2006, the BSAC has served as a unique platform bringing together representatives from the fisheries sector, environmental organisations, recreational fisheries, aquaculture, consumers and other stakeholders with an interest in the sustainable management of the Baltic Sea.

The BSAC’s mission is to promote science-based, transparent and inclusive dialogue and to provide balanced, practical advice to the European Commission, Member States and other relevant institutions on fisheries management, marine conservation and wider maritime policies affecting the Baltic Sea region.

Working through specialised Working Groups and Focus Groups, BSAC members develop joint recommendations and opinions on issues including:

• sustainable fisheries management,
• ecosystem-based management,
• biodiversity conservation,
• fisheries control and compliance,marine spatial planning,
• offshore renewable energy,
• climate change adaptation,
• socio-economic resilience of fisheries and coastal communities,
• and the future development of EU fisheries policy.

As an official Advisory Council recognised under the CFP, the BSAC is regularly consulted by the European Commission and Member States during the preparation of fisheries and marine policy measures. Equally important, the BSAC has the right to develop own-initiative advice, enabling stakeholders to proactively contribute to the future of the Baltic Sea.

Through constructive cooperation, scientific engagement and consensus-building, the BSAC helps ensure that decision-making reflects both the environmental needs of the Baltic Sea and the social and economic sustainability of those who depend upon it.

BSAC Annual Report, Work Programme, and Performance review

The BSAC produces every year an annual report of its work. You can download the BSACAnnualReport2024-2025final . The previous annual reports can be requested by email to the Secretariat.

Similarly, a work programme is prepared for the year. You can download the BSAC WP202526-FINAL . The previous work programmes can be requested by email to the Secretariat.

Every five years, the BSAC commissions an independent performance review to evaluate its functioning, governance, effectiveness, and stakeholder engagement, ensuring continuous improvement and transparency. The most recent Evaluation of the Baltic Sea Advisory Council (BSAC) was completed in 2026.