Danish fishing pushes back against CO₂ tax, stressing the industries low carbon footprint and the lack of alternative fuel solutions
Danish Fishing Sector Challenges Government on CO₂ Tax and Lack of Viable Fuel Alternatives
Danish fishing representatives are calling on the government to be realistic about the lack of alternative fuel options for the industry, arguing that the planned CO₂ tax would have devastating consequences without viable alternatives.
Speaking on the issue, Svend-Erik Andersen, chairman of Danmarks Fiskeriforening, described the government’s decision to postpone the tax’s implementation as a wise move, not because the industry rejects sustainability, but because there are currently no cost-effective alternative fuels available.
“The reality is that the fishing industry does not have cost-effective options to transition away from conventional fuel. Without viable solutions, the CO₂ tax simply becomes another financial burden that risks crippling the industry.”
Andersen dismissed claims that postponing the tax is a setback for climate efforts, emphasising that the tax, in its current form, would not lead to emissions reductions but rather force economic decline in the sector.
Danish Fisheries Association Chairman – Svend-Erik Andersen
No Cost-Effective Green Solutions Yet Available
A report by DTU Aqua and the Institute of Food and Resource Economics (IFRO) examined potential CO₂ reduction measures for the fishing industry, but it could not confirm the economic viability of any suggested solutions. The level of uncertainty remains high, and no proven, scalable alternatives currently exist for Danish fisheries.
Further analysis from Implement Consulting, commissioned by Danmarks Fiskeriforening, found that:
- Paying the CO₂ tax would be cheaper than investing in green technologies that are still in early-stage development.
- The fishing industry accounts for just 0.5% of Denmark’s total CO₂ emissions.
- A CO₂ tax on fishing would reduce national emissions by only 0.05%—a negligible impact on Denmark’s overall carbon footprint.
Andersen criticised political claims that the CO₂ tax is necessary for the green transition, arguing that without alternative fuels, the tax only serves as an extra financial burden on fishers.
“We are not opposed to reducing emissions. We are asking for solutions that actually work. Right now, they don’t exist.”
Andersen criticised environmental groups for exaggerating the effect of pausing the tax:
“Green organisations claim this is a major setback for climate efforts, yet they fail to acknowledge the actual impact. The figures show that taxing the fishing industry will make almost no difference to national CO₂ reductions.”
Declining Landings Raise Concerns Over Future Viability
The debate surrounding CO₂ taxation has intensified as Danish fishing landings have seen a sharp decline in early 2025, particularly in industrial fisheries.
Data from Fiskeristyrelsen (the Danish Fisheries Agency) shows a significant drop in landings for key species since the CO₂ tax was introduced in January 2025:
- Blue whiting: 0 tonnes landed in January 2025 (compared to 6,500 tonnes in January 2024).
- Sprat: 19,800 tonnes landed in January 2025 (compared to 28,000 tonnes in January 2024).
Many Danish fishers have reportedly shifted landings to Scotland and Norway to avoid the financial strain imposed by the new tax, further weakening the domestic industry.
Marine Ingredients Denmark’s director, Anne Mette Bæk
Industrial Fisheries: Low Carbon Footprint and Key Economic Role
Danish industrial fisheries, primarily targeting pelagic species such as blue whiting and sprat, operate with one of the lowest carbon footprints in food production. Unlike bottom trawling, pelagic fishing does not disturb the seabed, making it one of the most sustainable commercial fishing practices.
Data from the 2024 “Fiskeri i Tal” report compares CO₂ emissions per kilogram of food:
- Wild-caught herring: 0.7 kg CO₂ per kg
- Chicken: 3.2 kg CO₂ per kg
- Pork: 4.6 kg CO₂ per kg
- Beef: 13.9 kg CO₂ per kg
With no land-use impact and lower emissions, wild-caught fish remains one of the most climate-friendly protein sources available, a fact that many policymakers fail to consider when debating CO₂ taxation.
The Role of Industrial Fishing in Denmark’s Economy
Industrial fishing is not just essential for Danish fishers but also for the entire blue economy value chain. Since 2013, industrial fisheries have contributed between DKK 500 million (€67 million / £57 million) and DKK 900 million (€121 million / £103 million) annually to the economy. In 2023, industrial fisheries reached a record-breaking value exceeding DKK 1 billion (€134 million / £115 million), accounting for one-third of the total value of Danish fisheries.
While not directly consumed, industrial fish are processed into fishmeal and fish oil, which serve as key marine ingredients for aquaculture feed and food production. Danish fishmeal and fish oil are known for their sustainability, traceability, and high nutritional value, with more than 30% of raw materials sourced from by-products of the human consumption industry, supporting a circular economy.
A Necessary Debate Based on Facts, Not Assumptions
According to Anne Mette Bæk, Director of MID, the CO₂ tax debate must be based on facts rather than assumptions:
“To have a fair and informed debate on CO₂ taxation, it is essential to include all the facts. January 2025—the first month with the tax—already saw a significant drop in industrial fish landings. It is incorrect to claim that the tax has not affected the industry.”
The Danish government’s pause on CO₂ taxation for fisheries allows time to develop practical solutions rather than imposing ineffective financial penalties. Industry representatives are now urging the government to focus on:
- Developing real alternative fuel solutions that are cost-effective.
Ensuring that industrial fishers are included in discussions on future sustainability policies.
Recognising the fishing industry’s low emissions profile and role in food security.
While the fishing industry remains committed to long-term sustainability, leaders warn that a rushed CO₂ tax with no viable transition strategy could cripple the sector.
The debate is far from over, and as the 2025 fishing season progresses, all eyes will be on whether Denmark’s government takes a more balanced approach to sustainability and economic viability.
Source
Source
