Switzerland: Federal Council Supports the "Fish" Action Plan

On February 26, 2025, the Federal Council took a position on various parliamentary motions in the areas of animal welfare and OneHealth:

• Measures for the Conservation of Native Fish Species
  The Motion 24.4317 "Fische. Damit unsere Flüsse, Seen und Teiche lebendig bleiben" by Céline Vara (Green Party) calls for the introduction of a "Fish Action Plan" based on the model of the "Swiss Crayfish Action Plan." In light of the dramatic decline in fish populations and the increasing threat to many species, the Federal Council is to identify measures for the conservation of native fish species. Particular attention should be given to the protection and restoration of habitats, the establishment of national protected areas for fish and crayfish, and the networking of aquatic ecosystems. The Federal Council recommends adopting the motion.
• PFAS Contamination in the Environment
  The Interpellation 24.4668 "PFAS-Belastung in der Umwelt", submitted by Franziska Ryser (Green Party), addresses the spread of PFAS ("forever chemicals") in soils, waters, and food as well as possible measures to reduce contamination. The Federal Council refers to ongoing investigations by the Federal Office for the Environment (FOEN), which analyze PFAS concentrations in soils, groundwater, and surface waters. Starting in 2026, the national pollutant monitoring program will be expanded to include PFAS. Additionally, measurement campaigns are underway in various cantons, and the results will be compiled in a report on PFAS. The Federal Council does not foresee a general moratorium on PFAS-containing substances, as Swiss chemical law does not provide for such restrictions. However, Switzerland is closely monitoring PFAS regulations in the EU and is considering autonomous implementation of corresponding regulations. The Federal Council emphasizes that PFAS limit values are regularly reviewed and adjusted based on new scientific findings, taking into account toxicological data, proportionality, and feasibility.
• Recording Biodiversity in Groundwater
  The Federal Council also commented on Interpellation 24.4555 "Biodiversität auch im Grundwasser erfassen" by Hasan Candan (SP). This interpellation addresses the little-recognized diversity of specialized organisms in groundwater, which are important for water quality and the ecosystem. The Federal Council reaffirms its precautionary approach to groundwater protection and refers to existing legal provisions for the protection of underground waters. The inclusion of groundwater biodiversity in the national groundwater monitoring program (NAQUA) is currently being examined, with a final assessment expected by 2026.
• No Cantonal Exceptions to the Barbed Hook Ban
  The Motion 24.4698 "Keine kantonalen Ausnahmen des Widerhakenverbots", submitted by Meret Schneider (Green Party), calls for an amendment to the Animal Welfare Ordinance (TSchV) to ensure that no cantonal exceptions to the ban on barbed fishing hooks are allowed. The Federal Council rejects the motion, stating that the ban is already comprehensively and restrictively regulated. Exceptions are only permitted in lakes and reservoirs for professional fishers and anglers with a certificate of competence. This regulation, in effect since 2014, is the result of a broad consultation process and considers that barbed hooks can, in some cases, be more animal-friendly—for example, when catching fish with closed swim bladders that may suffer damage when surfacing quickly.
• Strategy for Reducing Animal Testing
  The Interpellation 24.4696 "Sucht der Bund nach einer Strategie zur Verringerung der Tierversuche?", also submitted by Meret Schneider, inquires about existing and planned measures to promote alternatives to animal testing. The Federal Council refers to the National Research Program "Advancing 3R" (NRP 79) and the 3R Competence Center (3RCC), which promote alternative methods. While the 3RCC focuses on education, monitoring, and communication, the Swiss National Science Foundation (SNSF) supports research projects aimed at reducing animal testing. A final report on NRP 79 in 2027 will evaluate the progress made and whether further measures are necessary. The Federal Council currently sees no need for institutional realignment, as existing programs already provide broad support.
• Protection of Bees – Immediate Measures Against the Threat Posed by the Asian Hornet
  The Motion 24.4338 by Delphine Klopfenstein Broggini (Green Party) calls on the Federal Council to urgently address the threat posed to bees by the Asian hornet and to provide financial support to the cantons for combating it. The Federal Council acknowledges the problem and refers to existing measures: The FOEN supports the cantons in coordination and monitoring, funds the distribution map by Infofauna, and subsidizes training measures. Additionally, the Chemical Risk Reduction Ordinance (ChemRRV) is being revised to allow the use of biocides against the Asian hornet in forests. The Federal Council is also considering amendments to the Environmental Protection Act (EPA) to combat invasive alien species.
• Hedge Protection Status as an Obstacle to the Establishment of New Hedges?
  The Federal Council also commented on Interpellation 24.4546 by Christine Badertscher (Green Party) regarding the protection status of hedges and its impact on the establishment of new hedges. The interpellation points out that while the protection of hedges is important, it can also pose an obstacle to their establishment. The Federal Council states that hedges are generally subject to special protection under Article 18, paragraph 1bis of the Federal Act on the Protection of Nature and Cultural Heritage (NHG, SR 451). However, not all hedges fall under this protection. Even protected hedges with sufficient ecological quality are not absolutely protected—they may be removed if there is an overriding interest and appropriate compensation is provided. Cantons also have the option to enact further protective measures. Regarding a more flexible approach to newly planted hedges, the Federal Council considers a special status for such hedges to be inappropriate. However, the Confederation promotes hedge planting through ecological compensation measures and agricultural direct payments. The suggestion from the interpellation will be considered in the report on Postulate 23.3676 Z’graggen "Strengthening and Increasing Biodiversity within Existing Legal Frameworks.