The agreement includes initiatives that are more targeted at reductions in cod fishing mortality than the current approach, which implies continuous reductions in fishing days.
The cod stock in the Kattegat is at a historical low level. A key element of the agreement is therefore to make it compulsory from 1 July 2011 to use a very selective fishing gear (a so-called Seltra panel) in all Danish trawl fisheries in the Kattegat most of the year. In addition Denmark has closed specific areas in south-eastern part of the Kattegat to protect spawning areas. As a whole the multi-annual agreement will effectively protect the cod stock in the Kattegat as well as ensure the future for the fishermen around the Kattegat.
”By using selective fishing gear in the fishery for Norway Lobster, the fishermen prevent by-catches of cod and small fish. In this way we protect the endangered cod stock in the Kattegat. It is an agreement that protects the entire stock and ensures good spawning conditions, and eventually leads to more fish for the fishermen,” states Danish Minister for Food, Agriculture and Fisheries, Henrik Høegh.
The agreement has been submitted to the EU Commission for its approval.
Saving Danish Cod Stocks
DENMARK - The Danish Fishermens Association and the Danish Ministry of Food, Agriculture and Fisheries have made a unique agreement on fisheries in the Kattegat that will reduce the fishing mortality on cod and thereby contribute to the recovery of the cod stock in the Kattegat.
