The first report from the meeting in Ullånger, by Eileen Hedström

Länsstyrelsens meeting in Ullånger Thursday 9 November, 2006

Yes or NO to fish breeding in Ullångersfjärden. 

Länsstyrelsens environmental department called this public to hear the opinions and arguments of the parties involved in this issue; Ålands Fiskföradling AB, Kramfors Kommun and the public, before they made the final decision on the installation of four fish farms in Ullångersfjärd. 
All members present signed in and the meeting was taped for official use. The meeting was well attended, possibly over 100 people, which shows the deep concern that exists on fish farming.

Sten-Åke Karlsson, consult with Ålands Fiskförädling AB presented an overview of fish farming, 70 % of their farms are in Sweden and 30% are in Åland. He stated that one can operate fish farms without them being a danger to the environment. Much of the data was not specifically related to Ullångerfjörd, as such data does not exist, neither has a study of the flow and water currents been done. He stated that they use the best possible technique that is available today. He also stated that all the fish are vaccinated against diseases, no chemicals are used and less and less antibiotics are being used today. The quality of the fish food has improved, the feeding techniques are all mechanised, the process has modernised through the years.

Christer Sonidsson, chairman for Kramfors environmental department, said that they were very sceptical that they should permit the fish farms, and they were hoping that Länsstyrelsen´s environmental department would make that decision. He also said that the possibility of 25 jobs did not influence their decision. They were willing to allow the fish farms if Ålands Fiskföradling AB could meet all their environmental requirements, i.e. toxic waste, dead fish, take care of the blood when the fish are slaughtered, etc. They were willing to give a 10 year contract for the fish breeding. 
As a member of the public said ”Kramfors kommun said Yes, but wanted to say No to fish farming”.

Presentations were made both by Kerstin and Dag Sjögenbo.
Their main concern was pollution of the waters, as they have first hand experience with the fish farm at Omnefjärden which has been shown that after only one year there is negative changes in the area. Dags concern, among many, was that soon we will not be able to swim in the local beaches, he presented a photo of the beach at Storsand, taken this summer, which showed clear evidence of pollution which had come from the fish farm in Köpmanholmen.
As Kerstin stated ”every kilo of farmed fish produces three kilos of waste”  ”From 3,600 ton of fish, over 10 years there will be 108,000 ton of waste (food and faeces). This company will be allowed to pollute, while other business and communities have to take care of their waste".

Marine biologist, Hans Kautsky said that there were several unanswered questions regarding the environmental consequences of fish farming which are lacking in the (miljökonsekvensbeskrivningara) risk assessment made by Ålands Fiskföradling AB, he emphasised that it is not only phosphorous which is a regrowth factor but also nitrogen. Hans was very negative towards the installation of fish farms.

Jack Thorsén, 84 years old, also give an excellent presentation, he pointed out that Åland will not renew the fishing permit, Norrtälje community and Stockholm said NO, but Kramfors community and Västernorrlands region have welcomed them with open arms.

There was a discussion on a closed system for fish farming, but according to Sten-Åke Karlsson it is very expensive, it is still in the research stage and is not even available to purchase.
It was mentioned that they have a sickness in the fish in Köpmanholmen. Sten-Åke replied that this had just happened a few weeks ago. 

There was an active exchange of opinions from the public, negative to pollution, a threat to the World Heritage award, a threat to the tourist trade, etc.. 

It was suggested that before permission is granted for four more fish farms, a more detailed monitoring should be done in Omnefjärden.

The meeting adjourned at almost 22:00, Länsstyrelsen assured that all the points made would be considered and that all the letters and opinions that they had received would be considered before they made their decision, which should be made within one month.

Eileen Hedström
2006-11-10