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Swedish surströmming tradition in danger
The long-awaited surströmming premiere in Bergsviken, Sweden, faced challenges due to a shortage of herring in the Bothnian Sea. Fishing industry stakeholders, like Jan Söderström, worry that the EU's fishing policy, aimed at achieving maximum sustainable yield, is leading to overfishing and endangering the herring stock. Researchers and producers are urging politicians to take the warnings seriously and lower fishing quotas to protect the keystone species and prevent ecological disasters. Despite concerns, the Swedish Minister of Rural Affairs is initiating trials and action plans to address the issue.
Facts
The annual fishing quotas are decided by the EU Council based on the Commission's proposals. Sweden's position relies on information from the Swedish Agency for Marine and Water Management, guided by advice from the International Council for the Exploration of the Sea and SLU. To safeguard herring, Minister Peter Kullgren has initiated measures such as moving the trawl boundary and developing an action plan to support the fishing industry.
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