A new Swedish fisheries body, Svenska Regionala Yrkesfiskare (SRYF), has been launched, bringing together four regional fishing organisations and adding another layer to Sweden’s already crowded fisheries landscape.
The group was formed after the three most prominent organisations last year established Vi Svenska Fiskare (VSF), which aims to represent regional and small-scale fishers nationwide.
SRYF is backed by Havs- och Kustfiskarnas PO (HKPO), Norrbottens Kustfiskares PO (NKFPO), PO Kustfiskarna Bottenhavet (POKB) and Sveriges Yrkesfiskares Ekonomiska Förening (SYEF). Together, they represent fishers from Haparanda in the north to Strömstad on the west coast.
Who SRYF represents
The new organisation brings together siklöja fishers in northern Sweden, small-scale coastal fishers using passive gear in the Bothnian Bay, the Bothnian Sea and the Baltic Sea, and fishers targeting lobster and shrimp on the west coast.
Its membership mainly consists of demersal fishers in the west and Baltic, and pelagic fishers in the north. VSF already represents many of the same groups but is described as a significantly larger organisation.
Goals and priorities
SRYF says it wants to strengthen and rebuild local and regional fisheries along Sweden’s coast.
Its stated aims include developing regional seafood processing, supporting recruitment into the profession, and building a robust primary production base to help secure the food supply during crises. The group also stresses sustainable, coastal fishing in dialogue with scientists and authorities.
A divided sector
SRYF and VSF differ in their views on transferable fishing rights and fisheries management. On most other issues, they appear to share similar goals and positions, according to the background material.
The creation of SRYF underscores ongoing divisions within Swedish fisheries, where regional and small-scale fishers are seeking stronger, more distinct representation.