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Sweden takes first steps to ban bottom trawling in marine protected areas

Sweden takes first steps to ban bottom trawling in marine protected areas

January 2025

The Swedish government has proposed a law change to ban bottom trawling in Sweden’s marine protected areas (MPAs), setting an important precedent for countries across the EU.

Bottom trawling is a destructive fishing method that devastates marine ecosystems by damaging seabed habitats and releasing carbon stored in sediments, exacerbating climate change.

MPAs are vital for safeguarding biodiversity and maintaining ocean health, yet many MPAs in Europe fail to offer effective protection. Sweden’s decision represents a significant step towards transforming these “paper parks” – protected areas that exist on paper but lack proper enforcement – into spaces where marine life can thrive.

This milestone is a call to action for other EU governments to follow Sweden’s example and prioritise effective marine conservation. Each country has a responsibility to protect its marine environment for the benefit of coastal communities and future generations.

The Swedish Society for Nature Conservation, Seas at Risk, Oceana Europe, and ClientEarth have been instrumental in advocating for stronger protections as part of their campaign to turn Europe’s marine protected areas from paper parks to effective protection.

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