National interest in professional fishing

Areas of national interest for professional fishing are identified in the sea area, lakes and streams as well as fishing ports. The Swedish Agency for Marine and Water Management provides information on areas of national interest for commercial fishing in accordance with the Environmental Code’s provisions on national interest, Chapter 3, Section 5 of the Environmental Code. Application of the housekeeping provisions in Chapter 3, Section 5 of the Environmental Code means that the planning for the use of land and water areas shall ensure the fishing sector’s access to catch areas in both the sea and inland waters. It is also crucial that the planning ensures the necessary infrastructure of ports serving fishing vessels and offering suitable opportunities for landing the catch. The National Board of Housing and Planning (Boverket) in its guidance to the national authorities of interest sets out three general criteria. The areas identified as a national interest for commercial fishing meet these criteria: 1. The area has values of great national importance 2. the area is needed to meet Sweden’s international commitments or 3. the area is needed to implement or maintain nationally important structures.