National Board of Fisheries (Sweden)

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The Swedish National Board of Fisheries (Swedish: Fiskeriverket) was a central government authority responsible for fisheries management in Sweden. Established in 1948 and headquartered in Gothenburg, it played a crucial role in overseeing and regulating the Swedish fishing industry until its dissolution on July 1, 2011.^[1][2]

The Swedish National Board of Fisheries was created in 1948 as part of the country's efforts to centralize and modernize its fisheries management. Prior to its establishment, fisheries regulation in Sweden was less coordinated and primarily handled at local levels.^[1]

The National Board of Fisheries had several key responsibilities:

• Fisheries Management: The board was responsible for implementing and enforcing fishing regulations, including quotas, gear restrictions, and fishing seasons.^[3][1]
• Research and Data Collection: It conducted scientific research on fish populations, marine ecosystems, and the environmental impacts of fishing activities.^[1][2]
• Policy Development: The board played a crucial role in shaping Sweden's national fisheries policies and representing Swedish interests in international fisheries forums.^[3][1]
• Aquaculture Oversight: It regulated and monitored aquaculture activities in Sweden.^[3][1]
• Conservation Efforts: The board was involved in efforts to protect endangered fish species and maintain biodiversity in Swedish waters.^[1][2]

Although the fishery sector played a relatively small role in the Swedish national economy, the National Board of Fisheries was instrumental in managing this vital resource. It helped balance the economic interests of the fishing industry with the need for sustainable practices and conservation efforts.^[3][1]

The Swedish National Board of Fisheries actively participated in international fisheries management, particularly in the Baltic Sea region. It collaborated with other countries to address shared challenges such as overfishing, pollution, and the conservation of migratory fish species.^[1][2]

During its existence, the board embraced technological advancements to improve fisheries management. For example, it was involved in research on acoustic harassment devices to reduce seal interactions with fishing gear in the Baltic Sea salmon fishery.^[4]

On July 1, 2011, the Swedish National Board of Fisheries was dissolved as part of a government reorganization. Its responsibilities were primarily transferred to the newly created Swedish Agency for Marine and Water Management (Swedish: Havs- och vattenmyndigheten, HaV). This change was part of a broader effort to integrate water and marine management under a single authority.^[1][2]

• Swedish Agency for Marine and Water Management (successor agency)