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Svend-Erik Andersen, chairman of the Danmarks Fiskeriforening Producent Organisation Photo: Stockfile/FIS
Healthy Fish Stocks Drive Increased Fishing Quotas for 2025
DENMARK
Monday, December 09, 2024, 00:10 (GMT + 9)
Danish fisheries are set for a promising 2025, with increased quotas for several key fish stocks in the North Sea and Skagerrak. This positive outlook follows the signing of four pivotal fisheries agreements between the EU, Norway, and the UK, reports Svend Boye Thomsen from Fiskeritidende.
The agreements, based on recommendations from the International Council for the Exploration of the Sea (ICES), reflect a positive trend in the health of many fish stocks and ensure access to Norwegian and British waters in the coming year.
Boosted Quotas for Key Species
Quotas for saithe, plaice, whiting, and sole will increase in 2025 compared to the previous year. However, reductions have been made for haddock, following a sharp increase earlier in 2024, and for herring, which will see a 20% decrease in allowable catches. Despite these adjustments, overall quota levels remain favorable.
.jpg) “This is excellent news for Danish fisheries, as we see strong quotas for many stocks in 2025. The positive development in fish stocks, which we observe daily at sea, is also well-documented in ICES reports,” said Svend-Erik Andersen, chairman of the Danish Fisheries Association. He emphasized that the agreements support the sustainable harvesting of healthy, climate-friendly food while benefiting port communities where fisheries play a vital economic role.
Disputes Over Cod Management
While the agreements signify progress, the handling of cod stocks remains contentious. ICES has grouped three related cod stocks in the North Sea and Skagerrak, recommending stricter protection for southern North Sea cod. Consequently, the total cod quota for the region will be reduced by 20% in 2025, a decision that has drawn criticism.
“Climate change and rising temperatures have shifted cod populations away from the southern North Sea,” Andersen noted. “ICES appears to believe the southern stock can be restored to levels from 25 years ago, which is unrealistic. Their recommendations feel more politically driven than biologically grounded.”
Ensuring Access to Norwegian Waters
The agreements also guarantee access to Norwegian waters starting January 1, 2025, allowing fisheries to plan operations effectively. Andersen praised the collective efforts of the European fishing industry in securing this agreement, noting the importance of these historically significant fishing grounds.
Challenges Ahead: The CO2 Tax
While the agreements lay a strong foundation for 2025, challenges remain. Denmark’s decision to introduce a CO2 tax from January 2025 has raised concerns within the industry. “At a time of high fuel prices and financing costs, Danish fishermen will be uniquely burdened by this tax, unlike their EU counterparts, who benefit from fuel compensation in countries like France and Germany,” said Andersen. He stressed the need for fair competition to ensure the long-term viability of the Danish fishing industry.
Final Approval Pending
Fishing quotas will receive final approval and distribution among EU countries during the Fisheries Council meeting on December 9–10, 2024. Until then, optimism remains tempered by the looming impact of the CO2 tax on Danish fisheries.
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