Denmark imposes blue mussel fishing quota in Limfjorden

Denmark's Minister for the Environment, Maria Reumert Gjerding, has introduced a new quota to limit blue mussel fishing in Limfjorden. Based on recommendations from DTU Aqua, the quota is set at 4,000 tons for the upcoming 2026 and 2027 seasons. This represents a significant reduction from the nearly 10,000 tons harvested last year.

The measure aims to protect mussel populations, which have seen a drastic decline. According to a DTU Aqua report, the mussel population in Limfjorden has fallen by 95 percent since 1997, dropping from approximately 1.2 million tons to 62,000 tons. While DTU Aqua suggests there is no direct link between annual fishing levels and the overall population decline, the government is implementing the quota to ensure long-term sustainability.

Additionally, fishing will be prohibited in Natura2000 areas within Limfjorden, which currently host 73 percent of the local blue mussel population. To support the transition, the Ministry is working on a scheme to provide scrapping subsidies for vessels, such as mussel boats, to assist fishermen who choose to leave the industry.