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Germany: fishers vs. seals

Martina Rathke
June 8, 2026

Fishermen in the Baltic Sea traditionally look forward to the spring herring season boosting their income. But with seals making a recent comeback, their nets are often empty.

https://p.dw.com/p/5EYCV

At the harbor of Freest, fisherman Holger Müller faces growing challenges during herring season in the Baltic Sea as seals raid his nets. To limit losses, he now sets them for only short periods, yet catches remain low. A delayed season, fewer spawning herring, and a rising seal population are putting pressure on small-scale fisheries. Despite compensation payments, many fear for their livelihoods.

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