The Danish Fisheries Agency has issued new permits for fishing for blue mussels in the Limfjord in the 2024-25 season
New Fishing Permits Issued for Blue Mussels in the Limfjord for 2024-25 Season with Net Weight Logbook Requirement
On 17 October 2024, the Danish Fisheries Agency issued new permits for blue mussel fishing in the Limfjord for the 2024-25 season. These permits include several conditions, with a key focus on the requirement for captains to maintain a logbook.
According to the new regulations, captains of vessels measuring 10 metres or more in length must keep a detailed fishing logbook that specifies the quantities of each species caught and stored on board, exceeding 50 kg, in net weight (live weight). This is a departure from previous regulations, where mussel fishers were allowed to record their catch in gross weight.
The new requirement stems from Regulation No. 2298 of 3 December 2021 on the regulation of mussel and oyster fishing, as well as the EU Control Regulation. Under Section 40(1) of the national regulation and Article 14(1) and (2)(f) of the EU Control Regulation (Council Regulation No. 1224/2009), all catches must be recorded in net weight—defined as the catch minus the weight of stones, empty shells, starfish, mud, etc.
To allow fishers time to adapt, the Danish Fisheries Agency will focus on providing guidance for the first three months regarding compliance with the new net weight requirement. After this period, non-compliance will be subject to enforcement and penalties.
These changes aim to improve accuracy in reporting and compliance with the EU’s Common Fisheries Policy.
Source: Press Release