New regulations presents Danish boats fishing sandeel in 2024 season with major issues as they can no longer fish in Norwegian or UK waters
New Regulations Issued for Sandeel Fishing in North Sea, Skagerrak, and Kattegat from April 1, 2024
The Danish Fisheries Agency has announced Notification of Immediate Regulation No. 15 – 2024, outlining crucial conditions for sandeel fishing in the North Sea, Skagerrak, and Kattegat effective April 1, 2024.
This notification, released today, March 25, 2024, underlines the restrictions faced by boats involved in sandeel fishing for the year 2024.
Denmark is expected to be allocated total fishing opportunities for sandeel in the North Sea (EU zone), and in the Skagerrak and Kattegat (EU zone) of 128,346 tonnes.
The total Danish fishing opportunities for sandeel are expected to be distributed as follows in management areas, as defined in Annex III of Council Regulation (EU) No. 2024/257 of January 10, 2024, with later amendments:
- Area 1r: 119,773 tonnes
- Area 2r: 33,526 tonnes
- Area 3r: 4,666 tonnes
- Area 4: 0 tonnes
- Area 5r: 0 tonnes
- Area 6: 131 tonnes
- Area 7r: 0 tonnes
Additionally, expected transfers from 2023 to 2024 amount to 9,436 tonnes in Area 1r, 2,654 tonnes in Area 2r, and 14.5 tonnes in Area 6.
Danish vessels are not permitted to fish sandeel in Norwegian waters and UK waters in 2024,which presents the fleet with serious issues.
According to the notification, Denmark anticipates a total fishing opportunity of 128,346 tonnes for sandeel in the designated EU zones. These opportunities are earmarked for specific management areas as per the provisions of Council Regulation (EU) No. 2024/257, with expected transfers from the previous year contributing to the allocations.
Vessels intending to engage in sandeel fishing must adhere to stringent regulations outlined in the notification. Among the requirements, vessels are mandated to be registered for sandeel fishing and listed on authorised permit lists. Furthermore, vessels must comply with detailed reporting procedures, including providing position and time information for each trawl, submitting samples, and adhering to bycatch limits.
Moreover, the notification specifies the application process for obtaining sandeel fishing permits. Owners of Danish vessels seeking participation must submit applications to the Fisheries Agency within the stipulated timelines. Different permit lists and criteria exist based on the fishing methods and areas, necessitating careful consideration by applicants.
For sandeel fishing in Management Area 2r, ration fishing conditions have been outlined. A total quantity of 15,000 tonnes is allocated, with a fishing stop triggered upon reaching 70% of this allocation. Vessels engaged in ration fishing must abide by strict catch limits and reporting requirements to ensure sustainable fishing practices.
https://fiskeristyrelsen.dk/nyheder/nyhed/nyhed/meddelelse-om-straksregulering-nr-15-2024-om-vilkaar-gaeldende-for-tobisfiskeri-i-nordsoeen-skagerrak-og-kattegat-fra-1-april-2024
Source: Press Release