Danish political deal delays CO2 tax for fisheries but bans trawling in key coastal areas raising concerns for small fishing harbours
The Danish government has reached a wide political agreement on the future of the country’s fishing industry, providing both relief and concern among fishing representatives.
At the heart of the deal is a delayed introduction of a controversial CO2 emissions tax, now postponed until 2029. However, a simultaneous decision to ban all trawl fishing in the Belt Sea and large parts of the Kattegat has sparked sharp criticism from coastal communities.
CO2 Tax Delayed, Sector to Receive Transition Support
Under the agreement, the CO2 tax on fishing will not be implemented until 2029, when it will be phased in at 50% of the original rate—375 Danish kroner per tonne of CO2. Crucially, the funds collected will be reinvested into the industry in the form of transition support.
“It is a relief that a political solution has finally been found,” said Svend-Erik Andersen, chairman of Danmarks Fiskeriforening (Danish Fishermen’s Association). “The parties to the agreement recognise that there are no alternatives to the fuel we use today and that revenue from the tax will be recycled back into the sector.”
Andersen praised politicians who had “fought for a model based on the reality at sea and in the harbours” but warned that without their efforts “the alternative would have been a catastrophe.”
Trawl Ban Threatens Small Coastal Ports
But not all elements of the agreement were welcomed. The outright ban on trawling in the Belt Sea and most of the Kattegat could devastate smaller harbours such as Bagenkop, Grenå, Bønnerup, Østerby (Læsø), and Gilleleje.
“Regardless of what people think about trawling, it remains the backbone of Danish fisheries,” Andersen stated. “This deal eliminates fishing opportunities from places like Bønnerup and Grenå. Fisheries on Læsø and from Gilleleje will now come under serious pressure.”
Although the Danish government secured funding to assist affected fishermen, Andersen said, “There are still those who will end up as losers, and they must be given the opportunity to exit the industry with dignity.”
He also cast doubt on the government’s broader vision. “While the text of the agreement claims to promote diverse fisheries, the actual measures will likely achieve the opposite,” he warned.
Andersen highlighted the near-total exclusion of traditional coastal methods, stating, “If coastal fishermen can no longer catch eel, lumpfish, perch, or sea trout, there is very little left for them.”
DPPO Welcomes Support for Pelagic Sector and ‘NaturSkånsom’ Label
In contrast, Denmark’s pelagic fleet has welcomed the deal. The Danish Pelagic Producers’ Organisation (DPPO) said the agreement builds on two decades of innovation and leadership in sustainable fishing practices.
“We are very satisfied that a broad range of political parties have acknowledged our ambition of achieving CO2-neutral fishing by 2040,” said DPPO director Esben Sverdrup-Jensen. “The 100% green technologies don’t exist yet—but when they do, we’ll be ready to adopt them from day one.”
A key element for the pelagic fleet is the recognition of its operations under the “NaturSkånsom” (Nature-Friendly) state-controlled label. “Consumers now have a clear choice,” said DPPO chairman Jens Schneider Rasmussen. “The herring is Denmark’s national fish, and now it comes with official certification as a sustainable and low-impact product.”
Criticism of Missed Opportunities and Weak Implementation
Despite the broad support for some parts of the deal, Rasmussen criticised the political process for ignoring several of the 19 recommendations made by the 2023 Fisheries Commission. “Frankly, I had hoped Parliament would have listened more closely to the independent experts,” he said. “Instead, we’re going to waste time duplicating the Commission’s work in working groups and committees.”
Rasmussen also warned that the deal lacked sufficient ambition and could undermine Denmark’s competitive position in North Atlantic fisheries. “I hope we can raise the bar again during the planned review in 2027.”
Sector Calls for End to Policy Instability
Both Danmarks Fiskeriforening and DPPO stressed the importance of political stability moving forward. After years of disruption from Brexit, marine spatial planning disputes, and taxation reforms, the fishing industry has had little certainty.
“It is absolutely essential that the sector gets a break,” said Svend-Erik Andersen. “No industry can function properly under the constant threat of unpredictable policy changes. It makes it hard to attract workers, dissuades young people from entering the industry, and creates financing uncertainty.”
Danmarks Fiskeriforening confirmed it would take part in a new fisheries partnership designed to ensure the implementation of the political deal. But Andersen warned that the real test lies ahead.
“There’s a huge task in front of us. And it’s vital that those parties now involved in the agreement genuinely want to strengthen and develop this industry—not just talk about it.”
Source: Various
