Denmark’s fishermen have committed themselves to being ready to contribute to protecting 30% of the nation’s seas. Photo: DFPO
A new biodiversity law in Denmark recommends that 30% of the country’s land and sea areas be protected, and it’s a recommendation the Danish fishermen are eager to support.
The Biodiversity Council, in its annual report emphasises the importance of preserving marine ecosystems.
Svend-Erik Andersen, Chairman of the Danish Fishermen’s Association, expressed the industry’s commitment to implementing the recommendation saying:
“No one is more dependent on a healthy marine environment than us. Therefore, we support the idea of protecting 30% of the sea through a biodiversity law. We are ready for a dialogue on how we can allocate 10% as strictly protected nature and 20% as protected nature with regulations on bottom trawling.”
Preserving Vital Fishing Grounds:
Within the Danish Fishermen’s Association, the focus is on ensuring that fishing activities can continue using bottom trawling in the best fishing grounds. Currently, 90% of the catch comes from 20% of the sea area. This underscores the need to strike a balance between fishing interests and better protection of the marine environment.
“It is crucial that we continue to have access to the best fishing grounds. This way, we can ensure efficient fishing practices that minimise our impact on the climate and seabed. This can be achieved alongside designating more protected marine areas based on solid scientific grounds,” emphasises Svend-Erik Andersen.
Combatting All Pressure Factors:
The fishing industry emphasises the need for a comprehensive effort to safeguard the marine environment. Recent data from DTU Aqua reveals that nearly 70% of Danish seas is not impacted by Danish bottom trawling, and there is no trawling on stone reefs.
“In today’s context, Danish fishermen only impact one-third of the sea with bottom trawling, and in areas like the Belt Sea, only a tenth. Therefore, one should not believe that a trawl ban solves all problems. A comprehensive effort is needed, focusing on reducing nutrient emissions primarily,” highlights Svend-Erik Andersen.
As Denmark moves towards implementing protective measures for its marine ecosystems, collaboration between the fishing industry and environmental conservationists will be crucial in finding sustainable solutions for both the industry and the environment.
Source: Press Release
Denmark’s Fishermen Ready to Contribute to Protecting 30% of the Seas
A new biodiversity law in Denmark recommends that 30% of the country’s land and sea areas be protected, and it’s a recommendation the Danish fishermen are eager to support.
The Biodiversity Council, in its annual report emphasises the importance of preserving marine ecosystems.
Svend-Erik Andersen, Chairman of the Danish Fishermen’s Association, expressed the industry’s commitment to implementing the recommendation saying:
“No one is more dependent on a healthy marine environment than us. Therefore, we support the idea of protecting 30% of the sea through a biodiversity law. We are ready for a dialogue on how we can allocate 10% as strictly protected nature and 20% as protected nature with regulations on bottom trawling.”
Preserving Vital Fishing Grounds:
Within the Danish Fishermen’s Association, the focus is on ensuring that fishing activities can continue using bottom trawling in the best fishing grounds. Currently, 90% of the catch comes from 20% of the sea area. This underscores the need to strike a balance between fishing interests and better protection of the marine environment.
“It is crucial that we continue to have access to the best fishing grounds. This way, we can ensure efficient fishing practices that minimise our impact on the climate and seabed. This can be achieved alongside designating more protected marine areas based on solid scientific grounds,” emphasises Svend-Erik Andersen.
Combatting All Pressure Factors:
The fishing industry emphasises the need for a comprehensive effort to safeguard the marine environment. Recent data from DTU Aqua reveals that nearly 70% of Danish seas is not impacted by Danish bottom trawling, and there is no trawling on stone reefs.
“In today’s context, Danish fishermen only impact one-third of the sea with bottom trawling, and in areas like the Belt Sea, only a tenth. Therefore, one should not believe that a trawl ban solves all problems. A comprehensive effort is needed, focusing on reducing nutrient emissions primarily,” highlights Svend-Erik Andersen.
As Denmark moves towards implementing protective measures for its marine ecosystems, collaboration between the fishing industry and environmental conservationists will be crucial in finding sustainable solutions for both the industry and the environment.
Source: Press Release
