The odds are stacked against fishermen in Sweden who believe that current regulation of fishing in protected areas is sufficient under existing legislation.
Swedish political parties hold positions on bottom fishing that range from being in favour of an outright ban to a caution preference for individual assessment of fishing areas to strike a suitable balance.
The Swedish Fishermen’s PO states that while the effects of bottom trawling on the marine environment and ecosystems are debated, lies and exaggerations are frequently used to highlight any negative aspects.
‘SFPO emphasises that bottom trawling is an effective, gentle and selective fishing method that enables catching fish and seafood, essential to meet market demand. SFPO considers that bottom trawling is a long-term sustainable food production,’ a representative commented.
The government has proposed a bill that would outlaw bottom trawling inside protected areas, and SFPO is critical of the proposal.
An SFPO representative comments that it is encouraging to hear the viewpoint of the new Commissioner for Fisheries Costas Kadis, who states that coexistence between protected areas and bottom trawling should be evaluated on a case-by-case basis, based on concrete impact rather than general assumptions.
‘When there is evidence of an impact, bottom trawling should not be allowed. However, when an impact assessment shows that there is no significant harm – for instance, in Natura 2000 areas that permit compatible activities – then bottom trawling should be allowed to continue,’ the Commissioner has said.
‘His opinion is in line with SFPO’s point of view,’ SFPO states.
