The Danish Fisheries Agency (Fiskeristyrelsen) faces criticism: Minister to strengthen supervision
After a series of serious cases within the fishing industry, Minister of Fisheries Jacob Jensen (V) has decided to intensify the supervision of both the Fisheries Agency and the country’s fishermen. This comes as a response to several cases of “unsatisfactory management” within the agency, the ministry stated in a press release.
Two specific issues have been prominent: firstly, there have been cases of quota concentration, where some fishermen have had access to a disproportionately large share of fishing quotas. Secondly, there have been problems with mussel fishing, where vessels have had engines larger than allowed, potentially harming the marine environment. In both situations, the supervision by the Fisheries Agency has been inadequate.
Jacob Jensen expresses his dissatisfaction in the press release: “For me, it is crucial that we clean up, and therefore I will implement a range of measures.” Among other things, fishermen’s quota shares will be recalculated, and there will be more monitoring of compliance with the rules on quota concentration.
Director of the Fisheries Agency, Kenneth Joensen, also acknowledges the problems. He states that there has not been sufficient follow-up on relevant issues and apologizes for the situation: “It is regrettable and something that I and my employees take very seriously.”
Jacob Jensen also plans to discuss the situation with his colleagues in the Danish Parliament (Folketinget) to ensure more effective management in the future.