Danish partnership undertakes trial fishery targeting the Greater Weever in Kattegat to assess viability of directed trawl fishery. Photo: https://www.kogebog.dk/
A new Danish trial fishery is set to examine the potential for a directed trawl fishery targeting Greater Weever in the Danish and Swedish parts of the Kattegat.
Greater Weever, the only venomous fish species found in Danish waters, is known for its sharp dorsal spines capable of delivering a painful sting. Despite its reputation, the species is being assessed for both human consumption and industrial use under a structured scientific trial running from 20 March to 31 July 2026.
The initiative is being carried out by Danmarks Fiskeriforening Producent Organisation (DFPO) in cooperation with DTU Aqua and announced by the Danish Ministry of Food, Agriculture and Fisheries.
Testing Directed Trawl Methods
The purpose of the project is to determine whether a viable, targeted trawl fishery for Greater Weever can be established using a codend with a minimum mesh size of 60 mm.
Five trawl vessels will participate in the trial. Three vessels over 12 metres have been allocated up to 250 tonnes each, while two vessels under 12 metres have been allocated up to 75 tonnes each. Catches may be landed for consumption or processed for industrial purposes.
Participating vessels are required to use a 60–62 mm full mesh codend and may not deploy alternative gears during the trial. Each vessel must also be camera-monitored and equipped with onboard weighing capability.
Scientific Monitoring And Data Collection
The trial is designed to generate detailed data on catch variation, size selection and bycatch across the fishing period. Each vessel is expected to carry out between three and ten hauls per day, with individual hauls lasting up to five hours.
For every haul, two representative samples of at least 25 kg must be taken. Fishermen are required to record specified data and measure defined quantities of Greater Weever and bycatch species according to a protocol developed by DTU Aqua and DFPO. Observers may join selected trips to monitor operations.
The collected data will feed into an EHFAF-approved project led by DFPO and DTU Aqua. Among the stated objectives are an assessment of catch per unit effort, documentation of fishing activity in time and space, analysis of seasonal bycatch patterns and the potential development of a stock assessment for Greater Weever in Kattegat.
The project will also examine price dynamics and the scope for expanding the market for Greater Weever as a commercial species.
While the species’ venomous spines present handling considerations, the trial reflects a deliberate effort by the Danish fishing sector and scientific partners to evaluate whether Greater Weever can support a structured, economically viable fishery under controlled and monitored conditions.
