Chapter 1: Kattegatt
WE WANT TO MAKE A CHANGE FOR OUR PLANET
Every day, year-round, large scale fishing in Swedish waters is ongoing, bottom trawls destroy the seabed, unwanted fish are thrown back and biodiversity is threatened. All this even happens in protected areas with threatened species and habitats. But development can be reversed if we help. Protection should be protection for real.
Therefore, Nordberg Watches decided to contribute to the Swedish society for Nature Conservation's work for sea and fishing by donating 100 SEK (about $11) for every sold Nordberg watch. This was a part of our work to save the surrounding areas of Gothenburg, where the first collection Kattegatt was our first step.
Thanks a lot to Swedish society for Nature Conservation's for your amazing work, we are looking forward to cooperating with you again to save our oceans.
WHAT IS THE PROBLEM?
Our seas are in crisis. Today, 13.8% of Swedish marine areas are protected, but the protection does not work properly. Many areas are just squares on a map with no rules that prevent malicious activity.
Fishing is one of the biggest threats to sensitive species and habitats in our waters. Nevertheless, fishing is allowed in almost all Swedish protected areas, in some even bottom trawling. In fact, Sweden is breaking the law. All fishing that can harm the environment in a Natura 2000 area (EU's protected areas) must be licensed - yet it is not done. This is a contrary to both EU law and Swedish environmental laws.
HOW IS THE SWEDISH SOCIETY FOR NATURE CONSERVATION WORKING TO SOLVE THIS?
Although the government has invested more money in protecting the sea and responsible authorities have begun work on regulating fishing in protected areas, we are moving too slowly and resources are still too small. Therefore, it is time that our politicians go from word to action. The Swedish Nature Conservation Association wants Swedish politicians to take responsibility for ensuring that the protection of our seas works properly.
WHAT ARE THE DEMANDS OF SWEDISH SOCIETY FOR NATURE CONSERVATION?
Implement the January Agreement - Enter a general agreement concerning a ban on bottom trawling in protected areas, both in existing and future areas.
Establish more fish-free areas in existing protected areas.
Follow the law - Authorisation of harmful fishing in marine Natura 2000 areas
Ensure long-term, adequate and appropriate funding for mapping, management and monitoring of marine protected areas.