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.