In a comprehensive maritime policy bill, to be introduced to the Riksdag by March 17, the Swedish Government has proposed the establishment of a new agency responsible for the marine environment as a whole.
The policy bill, which also included measures against eutrophication and coordinated efforts in the fields of fisheries, agriculture and shipping, said the new agency would promote the eco-system approach in the management of the marine environment.
“Too little has been done for too many years against eutrophication and high toxic levels in our seas”, Minister of Environment Anders Carlgren said in presenting the bill. “The World’s richest nations shouldn’t have one of the world’s worst polluted inland seas off their coasts”, he added, referring to the Baltic. “We’re pushing for the EU to name it a pilot project. By taking the lead in taking measures and developing cooperation, the Baltic can become an example to other seas and regions in Europe”.
In the area of fisheries, the bill also included an extra 1.4 million Euros for developing and trying out gear that will reduce bycatches, and a similar sum to help eel stocks to recover, mainly through improving its migration routes and increased re-stocking.