News in Brief:
– Sweden bans bottom trawling in its territorial waters and marine protected areas to conserve marine ecosystems and fish stocks.
– This move aligns with European directives and follows Greece’s lead in phasing out bottom fishing to promote sustainable marine environments.
Sweden has taken a bold step towards protecting its marine environment in announcing a ban on bottom trawling in its territorial waters and marine protected areas (MPAs). This move aims to curb the ecological impact of this controversial fishing method.
Bottom trawling involves dragging heavy nets across the seabed to catch fish. While efficient for fishing, it is criticised for its destructive effects on marine ecosystems. The practice disturbs seabed habitats, releases carbon stored in the sediments, and disrupts the balance of marine life.
Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson’s government, supported by Environment Minister Romina Pourmokhtari, has decided to enforce this ban, aligning with calls from environmental groups and European directives to phase out bottom trawling. This decision covers not only MPAs but extends to all Swedish territorial waters up to 12 nautical miles.
Studies indicate that bottom trawling occurs in a significant portion of Sweden’s marine protected areas, affecting about 11% of these critical habitats. The ban aims to alleviate pressure on fish stocks like sturgeon, herring, and cod, allowing them to thrive without the disruption caused by industrial trawlers.
Sweden joins Greece in leading European countries towards banning bottom fishing. Greece, through initiatives at the ‘Our Ocean’ conference, plans a phased ban in national marine parks by 2026 and across all MPAs by 2030. These actions reflect a broader shift towards sustainable fishing practices across Europe.
While environmental groups applaud these bans, the European Bottom Fisheries Alliance (EBFA) expresses concerns about the impact on the fishing industry. They advocate for innovation and sustainable practices over outright bans, highlighting the complexities of balancing environmental conservation with economic interests.
