Marine Ingredients Denmark, responds to EU’s annual communication, “Sustainable fishing in the EU: state of play and orientations for 2026”
Marine Ingredients Denmark (MID) has issued its comprehensive response to the European Commission’s recent communication, “Sustainable fishing in the EU: state of play and orientations for 2026.”
While acknowledging the Commission’s reported progress, MID’s statement, released on 17 June 2025, underscores critical challenges and specific demands for more effective fisheries management and international cooperation.
MID Assesses Commission’s Outlook on Sustainability
Marine Ingredients Denmark welcomes the European Commission’s recognition of positive trends in the sustainability of EU fisheries, particularly noting the North-East Atlantic, where fish stocks are, on average, within healthy ranges. However, the organisation immediately pivots to express its concerns regarding several key stocks that remain under pressure. This includes the notable and concerning impact of climate change on the distribution of these stocks and the broader dynamics of marine ecosystems.
A significant point of contention for Marine Ingredients Denmark is the observed lack of comprehensive sharing arrangements with non-EU countries in the North-East Atlantic. As major buyers of small pelagic species in bulk, MID unequivocally urges all coastal states involved in these fisheries to work towards establishing effective, science-based, and equitable sharing agreements. This, they contend, is “vital to safeguard the long-term sustainability of these widely distributed stocks and the viability of the broader fishing industry.”
Regarding the Baltic Sea, MID acknowledges the Commission’s report of continued long-term declines in several commercial fish stocks. These declines are attributed to a combination of pressures beyond direct fishing activity, including eutrophication, pollution, and ecosystem changes driven by climate. Despite this, MID points to signs of improvement in some pelagic stocks within the region, specifically herring in the Central Baltic Sea and sprat. Consequently, MID supports the Commission’s call for Member States to ensure the full implementation of existing legislation, extending beyond fisheries management into broader environmental and land-based policy areas.
Industry Drives Data and Contaminant Initiatives
Marine Ingredients Denmark reaffirms its steadfast commitment to promoting sustainable fishing practices within its own operations. The organisation asserts that it continues to ensure accurate recording and meticulous reporting of all catches, particularly for small pelagics. This commitment, MID states, directly supports robust quota monitoring and effective, sustainable management. In line with these efforts, Marine Ingredients Denmark explicitly urges the Commission to maintain a level playing field among all stakeholders operating within the industry.
Addressing the serious issue of environmental contaminants such as PFAS substances, Marine Ingredients Denmark highlights its proactive steps taken in collaboration with EFFOP. Together, they have compiled a comprehensive dataset, covering 175 different batches of fishmeal. This extensive work, MID explains, has served to inform crucial discussions with journalists, policymakers, researchers, and the wider public, providing “a solid basis for sound risk assessments and the development of mitigation strategies to manage future PFAS levels in feed.”
The organisation maintains that its commitment to sustainability is tangibly reflected in its industry’s practices. Marine Ingredients Denmark fundamentally believes that the healthy state and ready availability of fish stocks are essential, not only for the long-term viability and profitability of its own sector but also for the inherent health of marine ecosystems. Sound management principles, they insist, must always be guided by the best available scientific advice, particularly that provided by ICES.
Marine Ingredients Denmark intends to closely monitor upcoming developments, including the Commission’s forthcoming proposals for fishing opportunities in the Baltic Sea, which are anticipated by the end of August 2025. The organisation has committed to keeping its members fully informed and to remain actively engaged in consultation processes with both policymakers and other stakeholders.
From an economic viewpoint, MID notes the Commission’s highlight that fleet segments relying on sustainably fished stocks and prioritising energy efficiency consistently achieve superior financial results and generate higher salaries. The Commission’s stated intention to present a roadmap on energy transition for fisheries and aquaculture in early 2026 is viewed by Marine Ingredients Denmark as a positive step, and the organisation looks forward to contributing to this initiative where it is relevant to its sector’s interests.
Source: Marine Ingredients Denmark
