Disclaimer: The illustrative map shown on this page should not be interpreted as a legal representation of jurisdictional boundaries.
Which maritime spatial plans exist?
Three national plans covering the territorial sea and the EEZ have been prepared: Skagerrak/Kattegat, Baltic Sea and Gulf of Bothnia. The draft Swedish MSPs specify thirteen uses: electricity transmission; energy extraction; investigation of an area for energy extraction; defence; general use; culture; nature; recreation; sand extraction; investigation of an area for sand extraction; maritime shipping; investigation of an area for maritime shipping; commercial fishing. The MSPs also specify areas where particular consideration should be given to high nature values, to high culture values, or to the interests of Sweden’s total defence.
The MSP plan was adopted by the Government of Sweden on 10 February, 2022.
National MSP data is available on the Swedish Agency for Marine and Water Management website at: www.havochvatten.se
MSP legislation
The Swedish Environmental Code (EC, 1998:808) and the Plan and Building Act (2010:900) constitute the legal basis for MSP in Sweden. According to the Environmental Code there shall be three marine spatial plans: Bothnian Bay, Baltic Sea, Western Waters (Skagerrak/Kattegatt) covering the area one nautical mile from the baseline seawards (incl. the EEZ). The plans, which shall be adopted by the Government, shall guide and contribute to sustainable development. The Government may, according to the legislation, adopt regulations prohibiting or limiting activities in the destined geographical areas. The MSP process is regulated by the Marine Spatial Planning Ordinance (2015:400), which contains provisions on geographical boundaries, the content of the marine spatial plans, the responsibility for preparation, consultation and cooperation in the proposal process, and monitoring and review. In parallel, the Plan and Building Act (PBL Act, 2010:900) regulates the responsibilities and mandate for the municipalities to plan land and water including the territorial sea.
National MSP authority & contact
Ministry of Environment
Ms. Anna Ahlén
SE-103 33 Stockholm, Sweden
+46 (0)8 405 10 00
E-mail: anna.ahlen@regeringskansliet.se
Web: www.regeringen.se
Swedish Agency for Marine and Water Management (SwAM)
Marine Spatial Planning
Ms. Eva Rosenhall
Head of Marine Spatial Planning, Department of Marine Management
Box 11930, SE-404 39 Göteborg, Sweden
Tel: +46 (0)10-698 6907
E-mail: eva.rosenhall@havochvatten.se