In response to global uncertainties, the Swedish government is easing regulations to support domestic fish farming as part of the nation's food security strategy. The initiative aims to enhance competition and sustainability in the industry, with potential for Sweden to become self-sufficient in fish production.
New Legislation to Boost Swedish Fish Farming Industry
New Legislation to Boost Swedish Fish Farming Industry
Global uncertainties have prompted the Swedish government to focus on domestically produced food as part of Sweden's preparedness strategy. The government now aims to ease competition for the country's fish farmers.
Swedish fish farming has long struggled in the shadow of Norway's salmon success. The government plans to facilitate this by removing one of the requirements for obtaining a permit to start fish farming.
– Sustainable aquaculture can increase the production of fish, shellfish, mollusks, and algae without significant negative effects, says Rural Affairs Minister Peter Kullgren (KD) to TT.
Emanuel Nygren, CEO of the fish farming company Umlax, welcomes the initiative.
– It's about time this was addressed. In a way, it's tragic that it takes global unrest to realize that domestic fish is needed for food security, he says, but believes that permits also need to be extended.
Short Permit Duration
In Sweden, permits to operate fish farming are granted for about a decade. They are often appealed, which can lead to lengthy legal processes.
– It takes four years to build up a farm and slaughter the first fish. You barely start farming fish before you have to apply for a new permit, says Emanuel Nygren.
While Norway has access to large amounts of water, Swedish fish farmers are referred to production in freshwater and brackish water.
– The Gulf Stream allows Norway to slaughter and deliver fresh fish year-round. We've only recently gained the technology to handle winter slaughter in Sweden, says Emanuel Nygren.
He believes there is potential for Sweden to become self-sufficient in fish and sees northern waterways as suitable farming areas.
Fish farming in cages and the sea can, however, lead to water eutrophication. But power plant constructions have depleted several lakes and waterways, making them nutrient-poor, according to Emanuel Nygren.
Wild Fish Used for Feed
Inger Melander, an expert on fishing and markets at the World Wildlife Fund WWF, offers a different perspective. Even in nutrient-poor environments, fish farming can impact the existing ecosystem, she argues.
A large portion of wild fishing becomes feed for farmed fish, she emphasizes, despite fish farmers trying to use vegetable ingredients.
– We easily blame Norway for how their salmon farms vacuum the Baltic Sea of fish. Our fish species are fed with the same feed.
Swedish farmed fish should certainly contribute to food supply, she believes.
– But farms should be on land, in closed systems, and have herbivorous fish species, such as tilapia and carp, or mussels and oysters.