Oceana has said that it is “deeply disturbed” by the Danish government’s decision to allow mussel dredging inside a Natura 2000 area in the Little Belt, Denmark.
Danish Minister for Food, Agriculture and Fisheries, Mette Gjerskov granted permission this week. Oceana says this is “a clear step in the wrong direction for a government that has prided itself on its efforts to support sustainability.”
“It is absolutely unacceptable that such a destructive method should be allowed inside a protected area,” said Hanna Paulomäki, Baltic Sea project manager. “All fisheries with bottom contacting gear should be prohibited inside Natura 2000 areas if any real attempt at protection is to be made.”
This permission grants fishermen the right to dredge blue mussels in the area until 28 February 2013. The EU Commission already warned in February that judicial proceedings would be considered against Denmark if the environmental protection needs of Natura 2000 sites are not sufficiently taken into account. However, the Minister said that it is crucial that the management of mussel fisheries inside Natura 2000 areas protects their unique nature and abides by EU regulations.
Oceana has announced it will soon publish a report on fisheries management in the Baltic Sea and Kattegat, which will provide recommendations and guiding principles to move towards truly sustainable fisheries practices in the region.
