For some years now the fishing sector in Sweden has been declining. 2005 landings amounted to 248 000 mt valued at SEK 877 million, 50 000 mt and SEK 300 million less than five years earlier. The Baltic Sea is by far the most important fishing area, accounting for almost 60% of landings. In 2005, roughly half of those landings took place abroad (in Denmark in particular) where prices are higher. Herring, sprat and cod are the major species, albeit the variety of species caught is considerable and includes a number of freshwater fish.

In public waters, the responsibility for management lies with the government and regional or local authorities. Normally, waters around the coast and in lakes are privately owned up to 300 meters from the shoreline, meaning that conservation and management rests with the owners. In lakes, many private water-owners have created management areas with uniform fishing rules.