The Swedish West Coast

Welcome to the Swedish west coast, where rugged cliffs and boulder beaches whisper the tales of the ice age. Stretching from Kullahalvön to Svinesund at the Norwegian border, Sweden's western shores are embraced by the waters of two distinct seas: Skagerrak and Kattegat.

 

Skagerrak

Skagerrak is unique among Swedish maritime areas, boasting the same salinity as oceanic water—35 per mille—unlike other Swedish sea areas influenced by freshwater from rivers. This high salinity, along with excellent water turnover and oxygenation, fosters rich biodiversity. Over 130 fish species have been discovered off the Bohuslän coast, and the seabeds are home to several hundred algae species and thousands of animal species.

In the northern part of Skagerrak lies The Koster Sea National Park, one of Sweden's two coral reefs. This ecosystem is unique, with over 6,000 marine species identified, 200 of which are found nowhere else in Sweden. The Koster Sea was once known as one of the best sport fishing areas, teeming with fish, sharks, and rays. However, since the 1970s, the populations of cod, haddock, lemon sole, plaice, dover sole, witch, wolffish, and anglerfish have declined, leaving mainly mackerel, herring, and sea trout.

Anemone in the sea aquarium in Tjärnö. Photo by Petr Vodička, Wikipedia, CC BY-SA 4.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=29943864

 

Kattegat

Kattegat receives brackish water from the Baltic Sea via the Baltic Stream, which flows northward along the Swedish west coast. The differences in salinity create a sharp halocline layer at about 15 meters depth. While water circulation is good, vertical mixing is hindered by the halocline layer.

Kattegat hosts many marine species, although it is less species-rich than Skagerrak. Around 80 marine fish species, as well as brown algae forests of kelp, are found here. These kelp forests serve as important habitats for many other species. Ecosystem-forming species such as lugworms and horse mussels can also be found, creating biological reefs that other species use as habitats.

In 2018, previously unknown bubble reefs were discovered in Kattegat. These complex limestone structures originate from ancient organic deposits, buried 100 to 150 meters deep in the seabed. Bacteria break down these deposits, releasing methane gas that rises to the surface through cracks. The biological activity on these reefs is particularly notable, with dense populations of various fish species. At moderate depths, wrasses and large schools of codfish, mainly whiting, are common. At greater depths, flatfish species dominate, and crabs and lobsters thrive. The reefs also support a rich growth of organisms, including hydroids, soft coral colonies, sea anemones, sea squirts, and various red algae.

Bubble reef with abundant growth of organisms such as "dead man's fingers," hydroids, sponges, and red algae. A crab hides under the reef. Photo: Tomas Lundälv.

 

The Collection

At The Wise Fisherman, we are proud to introduce our Swedish West Coast Classics collection, inspired by the rich marine life of Skagerrak and Kattegat. Each piece in this collection celebrates the three most iconic fish species of the Swedish west coast—mackerel, cod, and sea trout.

 

"Makrill"

The "Makrill" or mackerel is a strong swimmer that travels in large shoals from the deep Atlantic to the shallow waters of the Swedish west coast during late spring to feed and breed. When the first signs of mackerel migration appear, sports fishermen flock to the west coast to welcome these summer visitors. The mackerel population is considered healthy, but a decline in population size is expected, underscoring the need to protect this beautiful species.

 

"Torsk"

The "Torsk" or cod is a key marine predator in Skagerrak and Kattegat. It dominates the continental shelf, preying on herring, sprat, capelin, and even its own fry. Once abundant, cod landings in Swedish waters have decreased by an average of 80% due to commercial fishing, making conservation efforts critical.

 

"Havsöring"

The "Havsöring" or sea trout is a salmon-related species that changes coloration depending on its habitat. Known for its agility and strength, it can leap out of the water with great force. Catching a sea trout is a thrilling challenge for any angler. While sea trout populations on the west coast are currently healthy, ongoing conservation is essential to maintain their numbers.

 

 

Our collection features high-quality, eco-friendly fishing apparel designed to enhance your fishing experience while reflecting your admiration for aquatic life. In this collection we offer t-shirts and hoodies available in both black and white for each fish. Each garment is made on-demand to reduce overproduction and minimize our environmental footprint. By choosing our products, you're not only investing in premium fishing gear but also supporting conservation efforts that protect the diverse marine ecosystems of our oceans, lakes, and rivers.

Join us in our mission to master the waters and preserve the wonders of the Swedish West Coast for future generations. Explore our Swedish West Coast Classics collection and make a positive impact with every purchase.