Response to consultation regarding a geological survey

Swedish Pelagic Federation Producer Organization (SPF) represents all Swedish fishing vessels in the pelagic fishery, including the herring and sprat fishery in the Baltic Sea. Every year our members account for approximately 90 percent of the total fished volume in Sweden. We thank you for the opportunity to submit our comments.

Potential cross-border effects and environmental consequences of the project that may affect Sweden

The planned geological survey in the Polish exclusive economic zone can potentially have a negative effect on fish stocks caught by Swedish fishermen if it affects fish spawning in the area negatively.

According to the information distributed to us, favourable conditions for spawning of commercial species exists in certain parts (“the slope”) of the project area. It should therefore be required that the geological survey, in all its parts, is carried out in time so that it does not coincide with fish spawning.

Participation in the environmental impact assessment (EIA)

Since the planned survey might have an effect on fish stocks caught by Swedish fishermen SPF is of the opinion that Sweden should participate in the continued progress of the Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA)

Annelie Rosell, SPF