Sweden introduces a nationwide ban on bottom trawling in marine protected areas, effective July 2026
The Swedish Government has announced significant amendments to its fishing regulations, introducing a general ban on bottom trawling within marine protected areas located inside the trawling limit.
The prohibition is set to come into force on 01 July 2026.
Peter Kullgren, Minister for Rural Affairs, commented: “Protecting sensitive seas is vital for the Government, and bottom trawling can impact the marine environment in various ways. These changes to the fishing regulations are therefore essential.”
Jessica Rosencrantz, the EU Minister, added: “Robust measures are required for our seas to become healthier. With a general ban on bottom trawling in marine protected areas, Sweden demonstrates leadership both within the EU and internationally. It is a crucial step towards long-term sustainable fishing for generations to come.”
Climate and Environment Minister Romina Pourmokhtari emphasised the broader benefits of the new regulation. “Vibrant seas are valuable seas. This improvement in the conditions for marine protected areas is crucial to ensure future generations can also experience a healthy marine environment where they can still get a bite when fishing.”
The new regulations will introduce a general prohibition on bottom trawling, which involves fishing with gear dragged along the seabed. This ban will apply to all marine national parks, nature reserves, biotope protection areas, and Natura 2000 sites. Crucially, the prohibition will be enforced in sea areas where only Swedish vessels are permitted to fish, specifically inside the trawl limit.
The Swedish Agency for Marine and Water Management (Havs- och vattenmyndigheten) will be empowered to issue regulations concerning exemptions from the ban. However, these regulations must not undermine the protective objectives of the area where an exemption applies. The agency will also have the authority to grant exemptions in individual cases, but only where there are scientific or other special grounds to do so.
Source: Press Release