In the fall, Sweden rejected the EU’s quota decision for the Baltic Sea in 2026, as the quotas remained too high in relation to the status of stocks and the uncertainties that characterize the advice. It was a courageous and important decision. But when EU negotiations still result in inadequate compromises, one thing becomes clear: the next step must be taken at home – in Swedish politics, Swedish administration, Swedish investments, while continuing the dialogue with neighboring countries.
The Baltic Sea is our closest sea and one of the most vulnerable in the world. Despite many years of warnings, the situation remains serious. Cod shows no signs of recovery. The development for herring is uncertain, and misreporting where herring is registered as sprat and vice versa makes it more difficult to set accurate quotas. At the same time, the majority of the Swedish herring and sprat catch still goes to feed production, not to food.
This is not only bad news for the sea and fish. It is bad news for Sweden. We are losing jobs in coastal communities, socio-economic value, and strengthened food security at a time when preparedness has quickly become a concrete security issue.
2026 needs to be the year when Sweden moves from rhetoric to real change.
Five fisheries policy measures for 2026
1. Stand firm when quotas are too high – demand a quota process that complies with the law
For several years, quotas for herring, sprat, and cod have been set at levels that risk prolonging or deepening the crisis in the Baltic Sea. When the evidence is also uncertain, the precautionary principle must take precedence. Sweden’s “no” was therefore more than a symbolic gesture: it was a stand for a management approach that will actually lead to recovery. Sticking to this line is crucial if stocks are to be rebuilt.
2. Modernize quota allocation – from feed to food
The current system largely favors large-scale industrial fishing and feed production. It disadvantages coastal fishing and causes Sweden to lose value that could have been jobs, exports, and food. The goal should be a fleet with more small and medium-sized coastal fishermen who land their catch in Sweden – and therefore also receive a larger share of the quotas.
Another important principle should be that unused quotas should not automatically be fished. Leaving fish in the sea may be the most profitable decision in the long term, as stronger stocks create better opportunities for Swedish processing and sales of food fish.
3. Introduce a contingency quota – fish as security, not just commodity
Sweden’s dependence on food imports makes us vulnerable in times of crisis. A contingency quota means that a fixed proportion of the quota is kept in reserve for human consumption and is only fished in the event of disruptions. It also acts as an extra safety margin: a buffer that slows down fishing earlier when stocks begin to decline and reduces the risk of stocks remaining at dangerously low levels for many years.
Herring and cod have historically been crisis foods. They can play that role again.
4. Promote rebuilding targets in ICES advice – from “survival” to “increase”
Since the 1990s, the amount of fishable cod, herring, and sprat in the Baltic Sea has declined sharply. This shows that current management is not working.
Sweden should therefore work to ensure that ICES advice is supplemented with recovery advice, where fishing pressure is based on ambitious targets for stock growth. This shifts the focus from “maximum possible yield” to building viable stocks, which benefits both the ecosystem and a long-term profitable fishing industry.
5. Invest in reception and processing facilities along the east coast – keep the value in Sweden
Coastal fishing can once again contribute to regional growth and preparedness, but this requires a functioning infrastructure. Today, there is often a lack of ports, reception capacity, and processing facilities adapted for human consumption. Without targeted investments, it will be difficult to compete with large-scale systems and difficult to improve quality and profitability.
Investments in ports, reception and processing facilities mean that more of the value of the fish can remain in Sweden. This strengthens coastal communities, jobs and food security, and creates conditions for export.
Why it matters
Today, large volumes of Swedish herring and sprat are exported abroad for use as feed. At the same time, cod is still being caught as bycatch despite a ban on targeted fishing, which shows that selective gear and reduced pressure on the ecosystem are crucial. If herring and sprat fishing continues at excessive levels, we also risk weakening the food base for predatory fish such as cod and salmon.
It is easy to get caught up in a false dichotomy between the environment and jobs. But the real dichotomy is between short-term exploitation and long-term opportunity. Without strong stocks, there can be no fishing. With strong stocks, Sweden can have both a living sea and a vibrant coastal economy.
Facts about fishing in 2025
HERRING AND SPRAT
In 2025, Swedish vessels caught over 31,900 tons of herring and sprat, of which approximately 29,100 tons were caught by the large-scale pelagic fishing fleet. Only 2,700 tons were caught by coastal fishing. Approximately 74 percent went to feed production.
COD
Although there is a ban on targeted fishing for cod in the Baltic Sea, just over 10 tons were caught in 2025. Cod is still caught as bycatch, mainly in flatfish fisheries. To promote the regrowth of cod in the Baltic Sea, flatfish fishing needs to cease or use selective fishing gear that reduces bycatch. Fishing for herring and sprat should be drastically reduced to leave them for cod and other predatory fish to eat.
SPRAT
In 2025, Swedish vessels caught approximately 27,200 tons of sprats, a decrease of 11,800 tons. A total of 91 percent of the catch was used for feed production.
Source: Swedish Agency for Marine and Water Management, 2026 (rounded to the nearest hundred).
Brief summary
2026 needs to be a year of decisive action for the Baltic Sea and Swedish fisheries. Despite important statements, such as Sweden’s rejection of continued high EU quotas, the situation remains serious for herring, sprat, and cod. More national decisions are needed to reverse this trend. It is particularly important to adhere to the precautionary principle in the quota process, steer fish from feed to food, and strengthen preparedness through a contingency quota. Investments in coastal reception and processing are also crucial to strengthening food security and our coastal communities.
