Several researchers are now directing sharp criticism at a report from Aarhus University regarding the impact of bottom trawling on the sea floor, which Environment Minister Magnus Heunicke (Socialdemokratiet – Social Democrats) previously referenced. Critics, including those from the Technical University of Denmark (DTU), point out significant errors and uncertainties in the report, which call its conclusions into question.

The Environment Minister has recently received this critical review and is set to examine the claims made in the report more closely. He emphasizes the importance of having precise and reliable data, especially in light of the upcoming negotiations regarding new regulations for Danish commercial fishing. Magnus Heunicke stated, “We need to trust the data available. If there are outright errors, they naturally need to be corrected.”

Jørgen L.S. Hansen, one of the authors of the report, dismisses the criticism and defends the scientific basis of the report. According to him, conservative estimates were used in the analysis, suggesting that the report may actually underestimate rather than overstate the harmful effects of bottom trawling on the biodiversity of the sea floor.

The report, which was published in January, is funded by the Danish Society for Nature Conservation (Danmarks Naturfredningsforening) with support from the Velux Foundation. It addresses the physical disturbances of the sea floor caused by bottom trawling, a fishing method in which equipment is dragged across the sea floor, notably used for catching langoustines and shrimp.

With the imminent negotiations approaching, it is now unclear whether Magnus Heunicke will continue to utilize the report as a basis for discussions, or if the identified uncertainties will lead to corrective actions from Aarhus University.