Near-shore fishery must be more sustainable while at the same time there should be greater possibilities of making a living from commercial fishing at Denmark’s smaller harbours.
The Danish government and the Red-Green Alliance party have earmarked DKK 10 million for developing methods that can promote sustainable fishery, including the introduction of new technology.
The National Institute of Aquatic Resources at the Technical University of Denmark (DTU Aqua) will carry out the development work.
“We need to develop gear and technologies so we can keep jobs both at sea and at the harbours,” says Karen Hækkerup, Denmark’s Minister for Food, Agriculture and Fisheries.
“We can help develop the local harbours and create jobs by ensuring that fishermen can earn a living from their occupation, and that many fish are landed. We must continuously further these developments in collaboration with the fishing industry, but with due consideration to the marine environment.”
The money is part of a fund reserved for a green transition and creating new jobs. The fund was set up in the national budget for 2013 in collaboration with the Red-Green Alliance. The DKK 10 million awarded to DTU Aqua will be used as follows:
• Development of gear with a focus on Danish seines, gill-nets and smart fishing – DKK 4 million.
• Analysis of fish stocks in coastal waters, based on on-going mapping activities – DKK 1 million.
• Development of seal-proof gear with a focus on creels – DKK 2 million.
• Sustainable production of mussels – DKK 3 million.
Per Clausen, the fisheries and food policy spokesman for the Red-Green Alliance, is happy that the agreement will contribute, among other things, to the development of gears for developing commercial fishing that is more considerate to both bird life and marine mammals. The ambition must always be developing ways to meet the challenges facing both the fishing industry, nature and the environment.
“It is vital, we find solutions that demonstrate the way forward for coastal fishing. Solutions that at the same time safeguard fish stocks, nature and the environment, as well as provide jobs,” says Per Clausen. “This agreement is a step in that direction, and I am very happy about it.”
