Hirtshals Fiskeauktion in Denmark recorded the strongest growth among Danish fish auctions last year, driven by a sharp rise in landings and value of fresh fish from Norwegian vessels.
Volumes more than tripled, while turnover also surged, according to figures from Fiskerimagasinet.
In 2025, Hirtshals handled 354.4 tonnes of Norwegian flatfish and whitefish, valued at about EUR 0.73 million. A year earlier, landings stood at just 110.1 tonnes, worth around EUR 0.24 million. No other Danish auction posted a similar growth rate over the same period.
Hirtshals up as others diverge
Hanstholm remained the largest receiver of fresh Norwegian fish in absolute terms, but 2025 was a weaker year. Landings fell to 4,508 tonnes, down from 4,997 tonnes in 2024. The value also slipped, from about EUR 14.0 million to EUR 13.1 million.
Thyborøn also saw growth, though from a low base. Volumes rose from 26.3 to 38.0 tonnes, and value increased from approximately EUR 0.11 million to EUR 0.17 million.
Shift in species landed
Lower quotas for cod, saithe and haddock cut deliveries of those species. Cod landings dropped from 505 tonnes in 2024 to 354 tonnes in 2025. Haddock volumes also fell. At the same time, fishers increased catches of alternative species such as hake, plaice, squid and Norway lobster.
Norway lobster rose from 114.5 to 171 tonnes. Plaice more than doubled, while squid tripled in volume. These species helped offset the fall in traditional whitefish.
Auctions feel quota impact differently
Fiskerimagasinet notes that Hanstholm is more exposed to quota cuts due to its strong link to the processing industry. Hirtshals, with a broader species mix, benefited from higher prices and demand for non-quota-heavy fish.
Direct landings by Norwegian vessels still account for only a small share of Denmark’s total fresh fish volumes. Much larger quantities arrive by lorry from north to south.