The Swedish Government intends to implement appropriate and relevant conservation measures regarding fisheries in order to reach conservation objectives in all marine protected areas by 2020.
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Government
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#OceanAction41681
Description
Conservation measures will be based on scientific evidence and fisheries regulations are designed as far as possible in consultation with researchers, the fishery sector and civil society. A variety of regulations may be relevant, such as no-take zones, restrictions and/or prohibitions against the use of certain gears and fishing methods.
Conservation measures regulating fisheries need to be complemented with regulations for other activities and sectors to ensure adequate protection.
Current work is progressing according the national plan "Measures to achieve conservation objectives in MPAs with focus on fisheries" from 2014. A joint recommendation to the EU Commission to introduce fisheries regulations in the Natura 2000 sites, including Ospar MPA, Bratten in the Swedish EEZ, was made autumn 2016 and entered into force January 2017. Work is in progress with five more MPAs with measures falling under the EU Common Fisheries Policy on the West Coast of Sweden. The Government intends to initiate conservation measures and provide relevant information to other concerned EU Member States with the aim of submitting a joint recommendation with proposed conservation measures to the EU commission. Since 2014, additional MPAs have been established, and in June 2016, the Swedish Agency for Marine and Water Management (SwAM) on behalf of the government, presented a National Action Plan for MPAs.
The Swedish government therefore intends to give a new assignment to SwAM and other relevant authorities in 2017. The authorities shall:
- Identify and ensure that measures are taken to achieve conservation objectives in MPAs, both new ones and where necessary in earlier established MPAs, especially regarding harmful fishing practices in relation to the conservation objectives in these areas. A timetable shall be included.
- Evaluate and compile existing knowledge regarding ongoing trawling on biotic and abiotic environmental impacts, primarily within MPAs, and within the national trawl boundary, and if necessary propose measures.
- Review and modernize the coastal fisheries legislation with a view to safeguarding Swedish coastal fisheries by contributing to the goal of the Swedish Maritime Strategy "Competitive, innovative and sustainable marine industries that can contribute to increased employment, reduced environmental impact and an attractive living environment".
The authorities shall identify areas that may constitute MPAs with strong protection without a local human impact. The identification is a first step in mapping such areas and will focus, i.a., on areas that may be suitable as fisheries no-take zones. Such areas could be located within established MPAs that are given a stronger protection or be new MPAs with the purpose to strengthening the representative protection and function as future reference areas. A proposal for the continued process shall be included.
SDGS & Targets
Goal 14
Conserve and sustainably use the oceans, seas and marine resources for sustainable development
14.1
By 2025, prevent and significantly reduce marine pollution of all kinds, in particular from land-based activities, including marine debris and nutrient pollution
14.1.1
(a) Index of coastal eutrophication; and (b) plastic debris density
14.2
By 2020, sustainably manage and protect marine and coastal ecosystems to avoid significant adverse impacts, including by strengthening their resilience, and take action for their restoration in order to achieve healthy and productive oceans
14.2.1
Number of countries using ecosystem-based approaches to managing marine areas
14.3
Minimize and address the impacts of ocean acidification, including through enhanced scientific cooperation at all levels
14.3.1
14.4
By 2020, effectively regulate harvesting and end overfishing, illegal, unreported and unregulated fishing and destructive fishing practices and implement science-based management plans, in order to restore fish stocks in the shortest time feasible, at least to levels that can produce maximum sustainable yield as determined by their biological characteristics
14.4.1
14.5
By 2020, conserve at least 10 per cent of coastal and marine areas, consistent with national and international law and based on the best available scientific information
14.5.1
14.6
By 2020, prohibit certain forms of fisheries subsidies which contribute to overcapacity and overfishing, eliminate subsidies that contribute to illegal, unreported and unregulated fishing and refrain from introducing new such subsidies, recognizing that appropriate and effective special and differential treatment for developing and least developed countries should be an integral part of the World Trade Organization fisheries subsidies negotiation
14.6.1
Degree of implementation of international instruments aiming to combat illegal, unreported and unregulated fishing
14.7
By 2030, increase the economic benefits to Small Island developing States and least developed countries from the sustainable use of marine resources, including through sustainable management of fisheries, aquaculture and tourism
14.7.1
Sustainable fisheries as a proportion of GDP in small island developing States, least developed countries and all countries
14.a
Increase scientific knowledge, develop research capacity and transfer marine technology, taking into account the Intergovernmental Oceanographic Commission Criteria and Guidelines on the Transfer of Marine Technology, in order to improve ocean health and to enhance the contribution of marine biodiversity to the development of developing countries, in particular small island developing States and least developed countries
14.a.1
14.b
Provide access for small-scale artisanal fishers to marine resources and markets
14.b.1
Degree of application of a legal/regulatory/policy/institutional framework which recognizes and protects access rights for small‐scale fisheries
14.c
Enhance the conservation and sustainable use of oceans and their resources by implementing international law as reflected in United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea, which provides the legal framework for the conservation and sustainable use of oceans and their resources, as recalled in paragraph 158 of "The future we want"
14.c.1
Number of countries making progress in ratifying, accepting and implementing through legal, policy and institutional frameworks, ocean-related instruments that implement international law, as reflected in the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea, for the conservation and sustainable use of the oceans and their resources
SDG 14 targets covered
| Name | Description |
|---|---|
| 14.2 | By 2020, sustainably manage and protect marine and coastal ecosystems to avoid significant adverse impacts, including by strengthening their resilience, and take action for their restoration in order to achieve healthy and productive oceans |
| 14.5 | By 2020, conserve at least 10 per cent of coastal and marine areas, consistent with national and international law and based on the best available scientific information |
Deliverables & Timeline
Resources mobilized
Partnership Progress
| Title | Progress Status | Submitted |
|---|---|---|
| Partnership Progress 2020-06-10 | On track | |
| Partnership Progress 2018-09-14 | On track |
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SDGs
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Ocean Basins
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Contact Information
Jorid Hammersland, Deputy Director
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