Danish Fishing Welcomes EU Arbitration Move over UK Sandeel Ban

EU Arbitration Case Against UK Over Sandeel Ban a “Necessary Step” for Danish Fisheries

In response to the United Kingdom’s continued ban on sandeel fishing in British waters, the European Union has initiated arbitration proceedings, a move hailed by Danish fishing organisations as essential for protecting EU fishing rights under the Brexit agreement.

Danish fishing bodies, including Danmarks Fiskeriforening Producentorganisation, Danmarks Pelagiske Producentorganisation, and Marine Ingredients Denmark, argue that the UK’s ban breaches the Brexit accord, which allowed EU fishers access to British waters for a substantial price. Sandeel, a critical catch for Danish fisheries, is predominantly used for fishmeal and fish oil production—a vital protein source for the aquaculture industry.

Svend-Erik Andersen, Chair of Danmarks Fiskeriforening Producentorganisation, expressed strong support for the EU’s stance. “It is very positive that the EU Commission is standing firm to protect EU interests against the UK. The Commission deserves praise, as do the Danish government and MEPs who have pursued this matter tirelessly,” Andersen stated. “This isn’t just a victory for Danish fisheries but for the entire EU partnership, as it reaffirms our trust in the Commission’s role in upholding Brexit agreements.”

The UK introduced the sandeel fishing ban last year, citing concerns about food availability for seabirds. However, Danish organisations have called the scientific basis for the ban “thin,” pointing to the International Council for the Exploration of the Sea (ICES), which has expressed doubts about the validity of the UK’s environmental justification. They argue that the measure discriminates against EU fishers, impacting Denmark particularly hard, as Danish vessels hold 96% of the EU’s North Sea sandeel quota.

Jens Schneider Rasmussen, Chair of Danmarks Pelagiske Producentorganisation, highlighted the ban’s impact on Danish fisheries, already reeling from Brexit. “Brexit has had severe consequences for Danish and European fisheries. The sandeel ban by the UK further escalated these issues beyond fairness. This arbitration sends a clear message to the UK and other third countries that irresponsible fisheries management will, in the end, come at a cost—namely, access to our valuable internal market,” Rasmussen said. “It’s a positive sign that the EU is now actively linking fisheries policy with trade.”

The Danish fishing industry estimates losses from the ban exceed 150 million kroner annually, while revenue losses for the processing industry top 600 million kroner. The shortage of sandeel not only affects Danish fishers but also has ramifications for the aquaculture industry in the EU, UK, and Scotland, which depends on a stable supply of fish oil and fishmeal.

Marine Ingredients Denmark’s director, Anne Mette Bæk, views the arbitration case as a crucial move for international compliance. “This arbitration is an important step toward ensuring adherence to international agreements. We welcome this development and hope for a balanced resolution based on the latest scientific evidence from ICES,” Bæk remarked. “Maintaining an open dialogue about the complex blue value chain that links fishing, feed, and healthy food is essential for a sustainable future for the aquaculture industry.”

With arbitration proceedings underway, Danish fisheries hope the EU’s action will lead to a fair resolution, underscoring that access to shared resources should be based on science and collaboration rather than unilateral measures.