The Danish Ministry for Fisheries has allocated DKK 16 funding to investigate effects of bottom-trawling on seabed
The Ministry for Fisheries in Denmark has allocated DKK 16 million (€2.15m/£18.9m) to investigate the impacts of bottom-drag gear such as beam trawls for the marine environment and the seabed.
The projects will specifically examine the marine environment in Jammerbugt on the North Jutland coast.
In autumn 2022, the Social Democrats, Venstre, SF, Radikale Venstre, Enhedslisten, De Konservative, Dansk Folkeparti, Liberal Alliance and Alternativet entered into a political agreement on the distribution of free funds under the European Maritime and Fisheries Fund (EMFF). Here it was, among other things, decided to set aside 16 million kroner for projects that will investigate how bottom trawling in general, and beam trawls in particular, affect the marine environment in Jammerbugt.
The purpose of the scheme is to collect knowledge that e.g. can form the basis for future management plans in the area – and thus support a more sustainable way of fishing.
The scheme can be applied for by relevant research institutions, and the projects must be completed during 2023.
On the launch of the initiative, Fisheries Minister Jacob Jensen said:
“We must take care of Danish nature and the environment when fishing in our garden. It requires us to know the importance of different fishing gear for the marine environment, so that we can take the necessary precautions. Therefore, a pool of DKK 16 million is now being opened. kroner, which must go directly to precisely investigating what bottom-drag tools such as e.g. beam trawling at the seabed in Jammerbugt. I am very much looking forward to seeing the results, so that in the future we can better preserve and manage the biological resources that are hidden below the surface of the sea.”
Background:
- The projects must be implemented and completed during 2023.
- The scheme can be applied for by relevant research institutions.
- The scheme is partly financed by EU funds from the European Maritime and Fisheries Fund (75%) and partly by national funds (25%).
The projects can, for example, lead to more knowledge about:
- How beam trawl fishing affects the seabed compared to other bottom trawling gear in relation to environmental impact and/or climate impact.
- Whether there is any seabed/marine nature in Jammerbugt which is worthy of protection, but which is not currently subject to protection.
- The reason for Jammerbugt’s current state and elucidation of causal relationships between fishing methods and the state of nature.
Source: Press Release