A public vote to crown Denmark’s national fish – at www.nationalfisk.dk – has stirred heated debate. Still, the chairman of the Danish Fishermen’s Association, Svend-Erik Andersen, believes the contest has real value. He argues it can shine a light on the country’s strong fishing tradition and promote more homegrown seafood on Danish plates.
A nation of fishermen
Fisheries play a central role in Denmark’s identity, with thousands of tonnes landed each year. Despite headlines about dwindling cod stocks in the Baltic Sea, many species are thriving.
“If you look at the stock assessments, it’s clear that several species in the North Sea and Skagerrak are developing positively,” Svend-Erik Andersen said, pointing to haddock as an example of success.
The plaice population, too, is flourishing, even in the Baltic, once thought of as “dead as a herring.” This, he insists, shows there are plenty of sustainable fish to choose from.
Why the plaice?
The association has nominated plaice as Denmark’s national fish. The choice, Svend-Erik Andersen admits, was not easy:
“It was like choosing between your own children,” he said. Denmark’s fisheries cover nearly all types of edible fish, each with its place in the nation’s food culture.
So why plaice? Its simplicity and popularity, he explained. Children enjoy it fried with chips, while older generations pair it with potatoes and parsley sauce, not far from Denmark’s official national dish.
The fish also features in the much-loved dish “stjerneskud,” even celebrated in song at the Eurovision Song Contest.
From exports to everyday meals
Today, most Danish-caught fish are exported, while many Danes opt for Norwegian salmon at home. The chairman calls this “nonsense” and hopes the national fish debate will encourage Danes to embrace local catches.
He also urged the government to consider scrapping VAT on Danish fish and shellfish.
“It would benefit both public health and the climate – and ensure that more people can enjoy the national fish once it is chosen,” the chairman argued.