The Swedish government is proposing changes to environmental legislation that would minimize environmental measures for hydropower operations, according to reports from SVT. This move comes as new research from Sveriges lantbruksuniversitet (SLU) and Stockholm University reveals that fish populations are more severely affected by hydropower than previously understood.
The research, commissioned by county administrative boards in Västernorrland and Jämtland, shows that trout populations in the Ljungan river are far below international standards. Hydropower plants isolate fish in different parts of the river, preventing free movement that is crucial for long-term survival.
It's completely incomprehensible that nothing is being done about this. They are removing the possibilities for long-term survival of these fish populations.
Professor Linda Laikre from Stockholm University criticized the government's approach, stating, 'It's completely incomprehensible that nothing is being done about this. They are removing the possibilities for long-term survival of these fish populations.'
Karin Lexén, Secretary General of the Swedish Society for Nature Conservation, expressed concern about the government's proposed changes to the Environmental Code, which would allow environmental conditions for hydropower to be set at the lowest possible level relative to EU rules.
the space provided by the EU's species and habitat directive to take special account of activities with significant public interest is fully utilized.
The government, in a written statement, defended the proposal as ensuring that 'the space provided by the EU's species and habitat directive to take special account of activities with significant public interest is fully utilized.' The hydropower industry organization Energiföretagen also supported the changes, stating they would 'ensure a good balance between measures for the water environment and society's need for hydropower electricity.'
Meanwhile, in Stångån river near Sundsvall, environmental restoration work has been carried out by Sportfiskarna, which purchased and demolished dams to allow free water flow. Local resident Ted Moberg described the changes as 'really beautiful nature.'
ensure a good balance between measures for the water environment and society's need for hydropower electricity.
really beautiful nature.