“Integrated”, “cross-sectorial” and “overall approach” are key terms in a new Marine Policy the Swedish Riksdag (Parliament) has adopted.
The bill for a new, comprehensive marine policy was introduced by the cabinet last spring.
The focus of the new policy will be the sustainable exploitation of the resources of the sea and coastal areas, in order to “maintain and restore” those ecosystems.
The marine policy needs to be “integrated and cross-sectorial”, and should be based on an “overall” approach to utilization and restoration, the bill said, adding that the EU marine policy should be a “central starting-point”.
The new law also will also mean the establishment of a new agency responsible for the marine environment as a whole, replacing several present government bodies, including the Board of Fisheries and the Maritime Administration.
Several proposals from opposition MPs for additions to the new policy were rejected, including total bans of bottom trawling and eel fisheries.