As interest in self-sufficiency grows in an increasingly uncertain world, the need for reliable data on production, consumption, and trade flows is becoming more important. Currently, obtaining accurate statistics on Swedish trade in fish and seafood is challenging. One reason for this is that Sweden serves as a transit country for Norwegian fish destined for other EU countries.

This project consists of two parts. The first part investigates whether it is possible to obtain reliable data on Swedish trade in fish and seafood. We will review previous literature where export and import flows have been estimated, use data from Statistics Sweden (SCB) to analyze how transit trade affects reported trade figures, and examine how fish landed abroad—primarily herring and sprat—is accounted for in trade statistics.

In the second part, we will use the findings from the first part to conduct a case study mapping the availability of fish and seafood in Sweden. We will analyze production, catch, trade, and consumption, with the aim of linking the availability of fish and seafood to discussions on food security and preparedness. The work in this second part is funded by the Nordic Council of Ministers and is carried out in collaboration with partners from other Nordic countries, led by NOFIMA (The Norwegian Food Research Institute).