Denmark launches a significant plan to reshape fishing. Politicians from across the spectrum agree on a new path that balances healthy oceans with a strong fishing industry.
The vision is clear: protect marine life, create stable rules for fishermen, and secure local jobs. Climate and environment take centre stage, but so does the survival of coastal communities.
From Bottom Trawls to Gentle Gear
Large areas of Danish waters will soon be closed to bottom-trawling. This includes the Belt Sea, parts of Kattegat, and regions near Djursland and northern Zealand. The aim is to protect seabeds, boost biodiversity, and allow fish stocks like cod to recover. New marine parks in Lillebælt and Øresund benefit from these bans.
In place of heavy gear, trials with semi-pelagic trawl doors begin in Kattegat. These keep nets off the seabed, reducing damage and fuel use.
Helping Fishers Adapt
Such changes affect many livelihoods. The plan sets aside millions for support, including help for fishers to switch to gentler tools, invest in fuel-efficient vessels, or leave the industry through scrapping schemes. Communities like Læsø and Langeland receive direct aid to keep local economies afloat.
A national strategy also tackles ghost nets and marine litter, improving tracking and recovery of lost gear.
Protecting Species and Habitats
Efforts target vulnerable species like eel, stone crab, and lumpfish. Denmark works with EU partners to restore eel habitats and manage cormorant populations, which put pressure on fish stocks. New monitoring programs track seabed health and marine mammals.
The sector pauses the CO₂ tax until 2029, giving time to adapt. By then, Denmark aims for low-impact fishing and climate-neutral operations by 2045. Funding supports innovations in gear, alternative fuels, and sustainable aquaculture—moving mussel farming offshore and promoting seaweed cultivation.
Boosting Coastal Economies and Tourism
Kystfiskeri (coastal fishing) gets stronger protections, and harbours gain better facilities for storing, processing, and marketing fish.
The NatureGentle label expands to larger vessels, helping consumers choose sustainable catches.
Sport fishing also gets a boost, with some freshwater species like pike and perch reserved for anglers. This creates new tourism opportunities while safeguarding wild fish.