A tuna weighing nearly 400 kilos was caught off North Zealand, Denmark, this weekend. The rare catch has led experts to say that Denmark should once again have its own tuna industry.
Kim Aarestrup, professor at DTU Aqua, believes the time is right.
“We could easily have a Danish quota. There is no problem with that,” Kim Aarestrup, professor at DTU Aqua, told Danish state-owned media outlet Danmarks Radio.
Tuna thriving in Danish waters
The bluefin tuna has returned to Denmark after decades of absence. The fish follow mackerel, herring and garfish, which are still found in high numbers in open waters. Unlike other species, tuna are not as affected by oxygen loss in Danish fjords.
Successful management of both tuna and its prey has helped the population grow.
“The more that survive, the larger the tuna get, and they travel further. That is why we see them here again,” said Aarestrup.
Small quota holds Denmark back.
At present, Denmark is allowed to catch only five tonnes of bluefin tuna per year. That equals about 20 fish. The quota was obtained in a trade with Spain, which, in return, was given the right to catch Danish mackerel.
In comparison, Norway and Iceland enjoy far larger quotas: 364 tonnes and 220 tonnes respectively.
The Minister is open to talks.
Fisheries Minister Jacob Jensen (V) welcomed the return of tuna and said he is ready to look at expanding Denmark’s quota. “It all depends on whether the industry is willing to give up other quotas. Any tuna fishery must also be sustainable,” he said.
Quota negotiations for next year will soon begin in the EU, where tuna will be discussed along with other species.
Fishermen’s hopes
The Danish Fishermen’s Association supports the idea. Chair Svend-Erik Andersen said tuna could give new life to the industry.
“Many coastal fishers are under pressure from poor conditions and tough rules. A proper tuna fishery would give them hope,” Svend-Erik Andersen, chairman of The Danish Fishermen’s Association, said.