The state of stocks in the North Sea, Skagerrak and Kattegat is seen as being largely positive, and Danish fishermen can expect to have higher quotas to catch in 2023.
‘It is really positive that the biologists consider that there is scope to increase quotas without compromising on sustainability. I am sure that it will provide a much-needed boost to fishing and to the areas where fishing plays a major role,’ said Svend-Erik Andersen, chairman of the Danish Fishermen’s Association.
A key reason for optimism is the 63% increase in the North Sea and Skagerrak cod quotas, as well as agreements struck between the EU and the UK, and between the EU, Norway and the UK.
‘I am particularly pleased that we are now getting a significantly larger quota for cod. In recent years, it has been clear to the fishing industry that there are more cod in the sea than the scientific advice was telling us. It’s very positive that the biologists now also share that opinion,’ Svend-Erik Andersen said.
Haddock quotas are also up, although by 30% rather than the 160% increase that ICES had recommended.
‘We see a lot of haddock, and had hoped that they would follow the recommendations from ICES and increase the quota significantly. We have an increase of 30%, and although it’s positive that the quota is increasing, we could end up in a situation in which the haddock quota is quickly exhausted,’ he said, commenting that haddock could become a choke species next year.
‘There is no doubt that fishing has been through some tough years with Brexit, corona and rising energy prices. That is why it is pleasing to have good news, which provides some much-needed optimism in the Danish ports. Stocks are doing well and quotas are increasing,’ Svend-Erik Andersen said, and added that it is a priority to reach an agreement between the EU and Norway for 2023, and it is regrettable that this still hasn’t been achieved.
