Swedish aquaculture – a green industry in blue fields: Strategy 2012-2020.

The present Strategy outlines the path for a growing, sustainable Swedish aquaculture industry by 2020, combining economic, ecological and social considerations. The vision of the Strategy is a growing and sustainable aquaculture industry that produces high quality and environmentally sound food with a negligible impact on the ecosystem and climate. The Strategy is divided intro three sections, each containing a number of goals: 1. Aquaculture - an industry with a future; 2. Environmentally and climate smart products from lakes and oceans; and 3. Aquaculture - a driving force in regional development. The strategy also includes a division of responsibilities between industry and the authorities involved, with the aim of achieving these goals.
The goals set under the different sections are: (i) Production increases through improved competitiveness; (ii) Swedish aquaculture produces high-quality, healthy food in demand by consumers both in Sweden and worldwide; (iii) Swedish aquaculture produces fish for stocking purposes to satisfy the needs of fishing tourism and for conservation; (iv) Swedish aquaculture is characterized by collaborations between industry, researchers, non-governmental organizations and government agencies; (v) A reduced administrative burden and clear regulations benefit corporate development; (vi) Swedish aquaculture is characterized by negligible environmental impact; (vii) Swedish aquaculture contributes to food production that is ecologically, economically and socially sustainable; (viii) New cultivation technologies are developed and the cultivation of novel species is tested through collaborations between industry and researchers; (ix) Swedish aquaculture is characterized by preventive health initiatives and healthy animals; (x) Politicians at all levels and other stakeholders perceive Swedish aquaculture as a secure, long-term and successful industry; (xi) Municipal politicians and other local stakeholders support Swedish aquaculture; and (xii) A majority of Swedish municipalities identify and include suitable sites for aquaculture in their spatial planning.