After more than 40 years of bans, fishing has been reopened in the waters off the former Cheminova chemical plant located on the West Coast of Denmark. However, new tests reveal that shellfish and fish from the area contain “worrying” levels of mercury – in some cases, more than ten times above the safe limits for nature.
Toxic findings in oysters and mussels
Tests carried out by Aarhus University and Danish TV station TV 2 reveal that mussels, oysters and fish from Nissum Bredning contain mercury far above environmental limits. Oysters showed up to 245 micrograms per kilo – twelve times higher than what nature can tolerate. Mussels and small fish also exceeded safe levels several times.
For comparison, the EU limit for protecting marine life is 20 micrograms per kilo. While the official food safety threshold is higher, experts say the findings are still alarming.
Experts: “I would not eat them”
Henriette Selck, a professor of ecotoxicology at Roskilde University, warns that such levels can harm marine life. Fish may struggle to reproduce, leading to long-term harm for entire stocks.
Senior researcher Martin Mørk Larsen from Aarhus University goes further: “It is higher than I had hoped. It is frightening,” he told TV 2. He himself would not eat oysters from the area, citing the risk of a “cocktail effect” from other chemicals buried near the site.
A legacy of pollution
Cheminova, Denmark’s largest pesticide producer at the time, dumped toxic waste near Harboøre and Thyborøn in the 1950s and 1960s. More than 100 tonnes of chemicals, including seven tonnes of mercury, are believed to remain underground. Parts of the site were sealed off in 2006, but local authorities still plan more clean-up work.
Fishing ban lifted
In July, the Ministry of Food, Agriculture and Fisheries removed long-standing fishing bans in polluted waters, including those near Cheminova. While selling such catches remains illegal, individuals are now free to fish and eat the seafood themselves.
Regional politicians and scientists question the decision. “Common sense says you need proper tests before lifting a ban,” said Bent Graversen from Region Midtjylland.
Call for action
Experts now urge authorities to create a clear plan to reduce mercury and protect marine life. Until then, they warn the public to think twice before putting oysters or mussels from the area on the dinner table.