Danish fisheries take back control

In partnership with The European Commission
Danish fisheries take back control
By Denis Loctier
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Small scale fisheries in Denmark are thriving after being threatened out of existence over the past decade.

Small, independent fisheries are slowly making their return after almost being wiped out by Denmark's decision to privatise fishing quotas a decade ago, which allowed big companies to assert their dominance in the fishing market.

The EU’s Common Fisheries Policy leaves it up to member states to decide how to allocate its national fishing quota to its fishing fleet.

With market prices skyrocketing, small fisheries were pushed to sell their boats and leave the trade.

Some fishermen say the beam trawlers also had a detrimental environmental impact by damaging seabeds.

Working together

Fishermen in the North Western town of Thorupstrand decided it was time to take action to ensure their town, and other fishing villages weren't wiped off the map by the quota system.

Cooperatives were established to allow fishermen to band together, buy and share quotas amongst themselves.

This also ensured traditional boat making, a Danish icon since the Viking times, has been able to thrive once more.

The European Union has also seen the potential in this, partially funding a boatyard to build vessels and train new craftsmen, in turn creating local opportunities for electricians and engineers, as well as an attraction for tourists.

Small scale fishing in Europe

The European Union recognises the importance of small scale fisheries across the continent, investing an estimated 212.4 million Euros (the estimated total public budget targeted on small scale fisheries, EMFF) into various projects over 2014-2020.

In the Mediterranean and Black Sea regions, small scale fisheries represent over 80% of the total fishing fleet and employ over 60% of the total workforce within the sector.

Catch of the day

With sustainable seafood a growing food trend, Thorupstrand has set up shop in one of the world's culinary capitals.

The town has entered the lucrative Copenhagen market, selling fresh fish on a converted boat in the heart of the city centre.

Chef Simon Biggas Møller says he hopes Thorupstrand will help to inspire other towns to follow suit and embrace sustainable fishing cooperatives.

Journalist • Denis Loctier

Video editor • Jean-Christophe Marcaud

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