Background & Purpose

The growing population of great cormorants has caused concern regarding fish stocks and nature conservation, prompting demands for better management. Many actors have called for national coordination to handle the issue effectively.

Proposals & Debate

Members of parliament submitted proposals during the autumn 2022 motion period calling for active measures to reduce the number of cormorants. The parliamentary committee supported the focus on a revised, nationwide management plan and better cooperation between regional authorities.

The Decision

The Swedish parliament decided to urge the government to prioritize the creation of an updated and equal national management plan for cormorants without delay.

Does this affect you?

  • Commercial fishermen and anglers: May experience reduced predation on fish stocks if the cormorant population decreases.
  • Regional authorities: Must improve coordination and implement unified rules for managing cormorant populations.

In Practice

  • The government is expected to speed up the ongoing inquiry into cormorant management.
  • Regional authorities (länsstyrelserna) and the Swedish Agency for Marine and Water Management must improve their cooperation.
  • A standardized approach to managing cormorant populations will be introduced across the entire country.