Workshop on Bycatch of Harbour Porpoises

On November 13 and 14, 2025, Fabian Ritter participated (online) in an international workshop held in Hel (Poland) which focused on the bycatch of harbour porpoises and seabirds in the Baltic Sea. At the start of the first day, Ritter gave a presentation titled “Holistic Approach to Marine Conservation,” in which — fully in line with the new M.E.E.R. Vision — he emphasized the importance of pursuing new narratives, holistic approaches, and a paradigm shift in marine conservation. At the beginning of the second day, Ritter presented the additional necessary measures that must be implemented to ensure the survival of the critically endangered harbour porpoise in the central Baltic Sea. These proposals are based on a report submitted by various NGOs and supported by M.E.E.R.

Ritter also led the newly formed working group on “Reducing Harbour Porpoise Bycatch,” which discussed and called for several concrete measures. These recommendations will be sent to political decision-makers (both at the national and EU level) following the workshop.

Report for download (in German): Reducing Bycatch of the Common Harbour Porpoise in the Baltic Sea