Swedish Government has commissioned the report which states that this could be achieved through separate catch quotas, or that some areas could be closed to large-scale fisheries. The report also mentioned particularly that sinking profitability as a dominant problem for small-scale fisheries, defined along criteria such as vessel length – under 12 metres – fishing methods – passive – and distance to the coast – less than 12 nautical miles.
Karin Bjerner, one of the authors of the report, expressed that the fisherman doesn’t get enough for the catch, as the costs for fuel and transports constantly rise. Bjerner said that a large responsibility still rests with the coastal fishermen themselves. She added that they need to market themselves better. Their product is locally fished, with small carbon dioxide emissions; fishing with passive gear has minimal effect on the environment, and with very small by-catches.
The report came out strongly in favour of multi-year management plans, making it easier for the fishermen to plan their business and venture investments. It was noted that fading profitability has made recruitment particularly difficult for small-scale fisheries; few young people today are willing to take over. According to Bjerner separate management models could strengthen that part of the fishing fleet with ties to smaller places.
