Danish Industrial fisheries faced a sharp landing declines as new CO2 tax impacts blue whiting and sprat catches, altering economic values
In January 2025, the Danish Fisheries Agency released detailed data revealing significant shifts in industrial fishing landings. Notably, blue whiting—a cornerstone species in Danish fisheries—has seen a dramatic drop, prompting fishermen to target alternative markets in Norway and Scotland.
Sharp Decline in Blue Whiting Landings
Since the start of 2025, Danish ports have recorded zero blue whiting landings. This is a stark contrast to January 2024, when over 6,500 tonnes were landed—a consistent annual pattern since 2015, when Danish ports received an average of 42% of the total blue whiting catch. With Danish fishermen now redirecting over 6,000 tonnes to Norway and Scotland, this shift marks an unprecedented change in landing patterns.
Fewer Landings of Sprat
A similar, though less pronounced, trend has emerged for sprat. In January 2025, 19,800 tonnes of sprat were landed in Denmark, compared to just over 28,000 tonnes in January 2024. Historically, Danish ports have accounted for 97% of sprat catches from the Baltic Sea. However, in January 2025, this figure fell to 79%, with nearly 2,000 tonnes diverted to Norway—a new development compared to zero landings in the previous year.
Marine Ingredients Denmark
Industrial fishing is a vital part of Denmark’s blue value chain, particularly for the production of high-value marine ingredients such as fishmeal and fish oil. Danish producers, renowned for full traceability and a low climate footprint, rely heavily on small pelagic species like blue whiting and sprat. Since 2013, the economic value of industrial fishing has ranged between 500 and 900 million kroner—approximately 67 to 121 million Euros or 55 to 99 million pounds sterling. In 2023, industrial fishing reached a record level, accounting for over 1 billion kroner (around 134 million Euros or 110 million pounds sterling), highlighting its critical role in both the national economy and international markets.
Significant decrease in landings from Danish vessels after the introduction of the CO2 tax concern
The recent changes in landing patterns have been closely linked to the introduction of a CO2 tax, which has increased fuel costs for Danish fishermen. This fiscal measure is believed to have incentivized shifts in landing decisions, pushing vessels to seek more economical options abroad. While factors such as biological conditions, quota utilization, and market dynamics also contribute, the CO2 tax remains a primary concern. Government and industry stakeholders are now evaluating compensation options to mitigate the tax’s economic impact on the industrial fishing sector.
Overall, these developments signal a reconfiguration of Denmark’s traditional fishing landscape. As authorities continue to monitor weekly landing data from 2023 to 2025, the evolving situation underscores the need for targeted measures to support a sector that is indispensable to both the national economy and the broader blue value chain.
Source
