The decision by Denmark’s environment minister Magnus Heunicke to drop Aarhus University’s controversial report on the effects of demersal fishing in the Kattegat has been welcomed by the Danish fishing industry.
The minister has announced that the report will not be used as part of upcoming negotiations on the Fisheries Commission’s recommendations. According to Danish media, Denmark’s Nature Conservation Association persisted in using the Aarhus University report for a campaign opposing demersal fishing – despite being informed that the report is riddled with errors.
‘I am satisfied that the minister is making a clear announcement and dropping the report from Aarhus University. He deserves credit for that. We are ready to restart the dialogue and collaborate on how we can ensure a healthy marine environment,’ said Svend-Erik Andersen, chairman of the Danish Fishermen’s Association.
The Association has repeatedly stressed that fishermen are dependent on a healthy marine environment and that the fishermen are prepared to contribute to ensuring healthy seas.
‘There are many factors that must be taken into account in order for us to have a healthy marine environment. We are ready for a dialogue on how we can protect the marine environment. However, we are adamant that this effort must be on a solid professional basis and that new protected areas are designated in consultation with the fishing industry. That is why I hope that the Minister of the Environment offers us an opportunity to connect before negotiations on the Fisheries Commission’s recommendations get underway in earnest,’ Svend-Erik Andersen said, commenting that the Danish Fishermen’s Association hopes that the Nature Conservation Assosiation will end its campaign and correct the misinformation it has already has spread.
‘Now that the Minister of the Environment has put the report aside, I hope that the Nature Conservation Association will also follow suit. Their campaign against trawling has hit the fishery hard and this is unfair. We want to collaborate on ensuring a healthy marine environment. But this has to take place on a proper basis,’ Svend-Erik Andersen said.
