Fishermen are accused of cheating - now they react

“It is under all criticism that TV2 acts as a mouthpiece for an attack on the mussel fishermen in the Limfjord”.

So says Svend-Erik Andersen, chairman of the Danish Fishermen’s Association, in a press release from the association, which is the main organization for the Danish fishermen.

The press release is issued in the wake of an article from Sunday morning, in which TV2 reveals that at least eleven out of thirty clam vessels have been fishing for clams in the Limfjord with larger engines than permitted for years.

From illegal to legal

In the same article, the media also reports that the Fisheries Agency has known about the illegal methods without sanctioning the fishermen and has also made illegal fishing legal retroactively by changing the understanding of the rule.

At Denmark’s Fishing Association, the accusations arouse resentment:

– The Danish Fisheries Agency has recently inspected the area and checked all vessels. The places where problems were found have been rectified, and the Norwegian Fisheries Agency assessed that there was no need to repeat the campaign, says Svend-Erik Andersen.

– No problem

In order to prevent fishermen from getting away with sailing with greater engine power than permitted, fishing with engines that can be slowed down has been prohibited since 2004. According to TV2, several mussel fishermen in the Limfjord have broken that rule because the engines have been slowed down after they have left the manufacturer.

For the chairman of Denmark’s Fisheries Association, however, it is not important whether it is the manufacturer or an authorized dealer who has calibrated the engines.

– Marine engines can be supplied in many different versions, and the decisive thing is that the Danish Fisheries Agency’s ongoing checks show that there are generally no problems with the engines. That is why I find it extremely difficult to understand TV2’s presentation, says Svend-Erik Andersen.

Want a full stop in the case

The Danish Fisheries Association wants to put an end to the matter and therefore calls for a review of the motor power area by the Danish Fisheries Agency to create certainty about fishing in the Limfjord.

– Here we emphasize that the mussel fishermen continue to have the opportunity to develop the fishery, so that the fishery becomes even more sustainable and can continue to contribute with healthy and climate-friendly food as well as important jobs at the Limfjord, says the chairman.

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