Denmark’s pelagic operators are set to be the first in Europe to introduce fully documented fishing across the whole fleet. By the end of this year, all fishing vessels within the Danish Pelagic Producers’ Organisation (DPPO) will be outfitted with CCTV and associated sensors.
From 1st January 2023, the whole DPPO membership will be connected to a closed data system operated and owned by the organisation with the assistance of independent third parties. Under this transparent system, all relevant fishing-related data from the vessels are recorded and stored, including CCTV video footage. All data and all information from the fishery is made directly available to the Danish fisheries authorities and other relevant public and private partners.
‘For the past 30 years, the members have been pioneers in European fisheries – from the development of new fisheries, to sustainability certification, to the establishment of a research programme and PhD. bursary, for gear development, self-monitoring and the Code of Sustainable Pelagic Fisheries,’ said DPPO director Esben Sverdrup-Jensen.
‘In all areas, the Danish pelagic fishermen have been willing to take the lead in development. Therefore, the establishment of our own control system for fully documented fisheries is a natural continuation of the development of the organisation and the fleet as a modern and transparent player in European fisheries. As a producer organisation, it is our responsibility to ensure that fisheries can meet the demands of authorities – and, more importantly, consumers. Now we are once again one step ahead.’
The system has been under development for a long time and is finally expected to be ready for installation on the vessels by the end of 2022. The development takes place in dialogue with authorities and experts.
‘For us fishermen, trust is a key issue,’ said DPPO chairman Fridi Magnusen, commenting on the background to the new initiative.
‘Trust is paramount when we sell fish around Europe and trust is vital for the safety of a fishing vessel. If we lose the trust of consumers, we will lose our livelihood. With our own system of fully documented fisheries, we can hopefully tackle the prejudices and misunderstandings that characterise the debate and fisheries policy and which have helped to undermine confidence in both the fisheries and the responsible authorities.’
