Common Bream

The stocks of bream in the Swedish lakes Vänern and Hjälmaren are in good condition. The stocks are sustainably exploited and there is no overfishing, although there is some uncertainty due to limited data on landings and environmental conditions. Bream is increasingly being landed rather than discarded and plays an important role in improving water quality in nutrient-rich lakes.

Fishing with anchored gillnets and fyke nets has a limited impact on the ecosystem. Bycatch of vulnerable (ETP) species occurs, including eel, burbot and asp. Fyke nets catch more eel than anchored gillnets, but according to the available data, the fishery does not negatively affect Sweden’s eel recovery plan. Discards are limited and released fish generally survive well. Both fishing gears cause little damage to the habitat, but fyke nets are the more sustainable choice.

Management is considered partially effective. The stocks are regularly assessed and the fishery is largely subject to the rules governing pike-perch fisheries. Decision-making is transparent, but better data on catches and environmental conditions are still needed.

This fishery is MSC-certified.

The stocks of bream in the Swedish coastal waters of the Baltic Sea are in good condition. The stocks are at a sustainable level and are increasing in some areas. Current fishing pressure is low, but a significant increase in fishing could affect the age and size structure of the stocks.

Fishing with anchored gillnets and fyke nets generally has a limited impact on the ecosystem. Anchored gillnets do have bycatch of vulnerable (ETP) species, such as harbour porpoises and seabirds. Fyke nets and fixed pound nets cause less bycatch of vulnerable species, and caught fish can often be released alive. All fishing gear used causes little damage to the seabed and CO₂ emissions from this small-scale fishery are low. Of these fishing methods, fyke nets and fixed pound nets are the most sustainable choices.

Management is considered largely effective. Stocks are monitored nationally and the fishery is monitored through the HELCOM monitoring programme. There is no specific management for bream, but general control and enforcement of fisheries regulations function well.

MSC-certified bream from this fishery is available.