This is the story of what went on behind the scenes as we filmed our report on bottom trawling in Sweden’s Gullmarsfjorden. With the help of Voice of the Ocean (VOTO) and MidOcean, we ventured out into the fjord and filmed using both an ROV and deep-sea divers.
Deep Sea Reporter examines bottom trawling in marine protected areas – part one. The Swedish shrimp is both red-listed according to the Swedish Species Information Centre and has lost its MSC certification, yet trawling for shrimp continues even in marine protected areas. Deep Sea Reporter will examine the consequences of bottom trawling in two reportages. In part one, we dive into Gullmarsfjorden, Sweden's first marine protected area and the country's only threshold fjord with unique marine life.
The Swedish Parliament has decided to ban bottom trawling in marine protected areas. The ban is due to come into force on 1 July this year. At the same time, they have made room for exceptions, and the Swedish Agency for Marine and Water Management (HaV) is now proposing that this should apply to Kosterhavet National Park.
SLU Aqua in Lysekil has for several years filmed bottoms in three different marine protection areas. Bratten is a Natura 2000 area far out to sea towards the Norwegian border. It is located in an area that is one of Europe's most fished places. Here it is possible to trawl right through the protection area, except in certain specific zones. Watch in the feature what it looks like on the bottom after a trawl has pulled out.
