Denmark has chosen its national fish – and the winner is the plaice. More than 36,000 people voted, and the flatfish ran away with the title, collecting over 17,000 votes.
The decision was announced at Øresund Aquarium in Helsingør by Minister for Food, Agriculture and Fisheries, Jacob Jensen. He called the plaice “a clear winner” and said the contest was about more than a vote.
“It has been about sparking talks about fish, our marine environment, and how we take care of it,” the minister said.
A popular choice
The plaice beat the herring, which came second with almost 10,000 votes. Sea trout, cod, eel, and mackerel followed. Only nine people left their ballot blank.
The campaign aimed to highlight how fish have shaped Denmark – in history, culture and in the kitchen.
Beyond the kitchen table
Jensen hopes the conversations will continue: “I hope Danes will keep talking about fish, our seas and blue nature – at the dinner table, in the canteen and in the classroom,” he said.
With its distinctive red spots, the plaice is already well known on plates across the country. It is now also known as Denmark’s national fish.