Danish fishermen have landed a bumper catch of sand eels in 2025.
In total, 78,000 tons were brought ashore. That is 8,000 tons more than last year. The value of the catch jumped from 147 million to 226 million kroner.
“This shows that the potential for sand eel fishing is even greater,” says Svend-Erik Andersen, chairman of the Danish Fishermen’s Association.
Britain Shuts Its Waters
But success may be short-lived. Britain has closed its waters to EU vessels. That is a significant blow because around 80 per cent of Danish sand eel fishing usually takes place there.
“I think it is scandalous that the UK continues to block sand eel fishing, even though the arbitration court has ruled it is against the Brexit deal,” says Andersen. “It is a problem if Britain can just run circles around the EU like this.”
Government Support in Brussels
The Danish government has raised the issue at the highest level in the EU. Both Fisheries Minister Jacob Jensen and Foreign Minister Lars Løkke Rasmussen have pushed for Britain to reopen its waters.
Andersen welcomes that effort:
“We owe the government thanks for standing firm. But the fight is not over yet. I hope Denmark, together with countries like Germany and France, will keep up the pressure.”
A Fight for More Than Fish
Andersen underlines that the case is not only about fishermen. The processing industry and coastal communities also depend on sand eel catches. But even more is at stake.
“This is about principle,” he says. “When the EU makes agreements, the other side must respect them. Otherwise, the whole system breaks down.”
For now, Denmark’s fishermen celebrate a strong year. But the “sand eel war” with Britain is far from settled.