Fisheries policy with a focus on viable fish stocks

Despite this, the majority of the Swedish catch of herring and sprat in the Baltic Sea is still used for feed rather than for human consumption. This has negative consequences for both the marine environment and society at large. When fish is not used as food, potential benefits are lost in the form of jobs, value-added processing, socio-economic gains, and strengthened food preparedness. Sustainable fisheries management must therefore both contribute to the rebuilding of fish populations and create conditions for a coastal fishery that lands its catch in Sweden.

BalticWaters works to promote fisheries management that places recovery, precaution, and long-term societal benefits at its core.

Our vision is a Baltic Sea with healthy, resilient fish populations, where fishing is conducted on nature’s terms and the catch is primarily used for human consumption. To achieve this, we disseminate knowledge, develop evidence-based input, and advocate for political decisions that strengthen both the marine environment and the long-term value of the Baltic Sea’s fish resources.

In the coming years, we will focus our efforts on:

• advocating for quota decisions that allow fish populations to recover
• promoting scientific advice and decisions that support stock rebuilding and better account for uncertainties in stock assessments
• modernising quota allocation so that more fish is used for food rather than feed
• strengthening the conditions for coastal fisheries, landing, and processing in Sweden
• promoting fisheries policies that enhance Sweden’s food security

Project materials

In the Baltic Sea Brief, we highlight current Baltic Sea policy issues and analyse the impact of new decisions and research. Most briefs are in Swedish, but translated versions are available under ”Publications”.