Denmark fisheries face management shifts and tuna quota challenges

The 2023 Fisheries Commission has released recommendations for the future of Danish fishing, suggesting a shift toward greater self-management. The report proposes that the industry should help fund its own management and biological advisory services. Additionally, the commission suggests a CO2 tax of 750 DKK for the sector, noting that this rate may need to increase after 2030.

To improve oversight, the commission recommends 100% electronic monitoring via cameras and GPS to combat illegal discarding and high-grading. Regarding coastal fishing, the report suggests moving toward a closed management system.

Separately, the return of bluefin tuna to Danish waters has reignited calls for updated international fishing quotas. Although the species is appearing annually in the Skagerrak, Kattegat, and Øresund, Danish commercial fishers are currently excluded from harvesting them because Denmark lacks an international quota. Experts suggest Denmark could collaborate with Ireland and Sweden to advocate for a share of the rights based on the documented return of the population.