The decision applies from 2026 to early 2027, but the hunt is divided into different periods. Licensed hunting is only permitted for grey seals – which, according to the Swedish Environmental Protection Agency, cause the most damage to small-scale commercial and recreational fisheries.
"We believe that this year's hunting decisions are well-balanced in preventing the damage that seals can cause - both to fishing gear and catches and to certain fish stocks," says Jens Andersson at the wildlife analysis unit at the Swedish Environmental Protection Agency in a press release.
Grey seal hunting is permitted in all counties along the Baltic Sea and a total of 1,350 animals may be shot, an increase from last year's 1,000 seals.
In addition, the authority has announced that it has decided to conduct a protective hunt for harbor seals and ringed seals.
In Halland, Västra Götaland and parts of Skåne, a total of 200 harbor seals may be shot.
200 sea otters may also be hunted in the counties of Norrbotten, Västerbotten, Västernorrland and Gävleborg.
"Although the level of damage to commercial fishing remains high, we believe there is reason for caution regarding the number of seals that can be killed pending more knowledge about population development," says Jens Andersson.
Licensed grey seal hunting:
Period one, county-wise quotas, April 20 – May 20, 2026, June 6 – August 14, 2026.
Period two, common quota, August 15, 2026 – January 15, 2027.
Protective hunting of harbor seals:
Period one, April 20 – May 20, 2026, September 1, 2026 – January 31, 2027.
Period two, February 1, 2027 – April 19, 2027.
