Funds to establish Denmark’s fishing and aquaculture industry as a leading hub

​​Funding for Denmark’s fishing and aquaculture industry aims to make the country one of the leading nations in the green transition of the industry.

Fishermen, aquaculture companies, research institutions, industry and producer organisations were given the green light to apply for the funding of projects that will contribute to such a transition.

It is hoped the five support pools, totalling DKK 112.8 million (EUR 15.1 million) will strengthen the economy of coastal fishing, while simultaneously helping to protect marine life.

They are intended to contribute to the development of solutions for commercial expansion in the Danish fishing and aquaculture industry and to increase the incentive to make new, green investments.

The funding will be financed by the Danish Maritime, Fisheries and Aquaculture Programme, with new green solutions helping Denmark reach its goal of a 70 per cent reduction of CO2 emissions by 2030.

This is a reopening of the pools to promote climate and environment-improving solutions and strengthen the development of coastal and low-impact fishing. Those interested can also apply for grants for initiatives that can remove ghost nets that are hazardous to the marine environment and its animals.

Jacob Jensen, Minister for Food, Agriculture and Fisheries, said: “Danish fishing is in a time of upheaval with a number of challenges ahead of it. The marine environment is challenged, which creates difficult conditions for several fish stocks - especially in our inland waters.

“We live in a time where it is both expected and necessary to develop new green solutions that can reduce climate footprint and environmental impact in all industries. We must help support this so that we can develop fishing in a more sustainable direction.

“Fishing is an important part of our food supply, and at the same time it contributes to local jobs in waterfront Denmark.”

Tom Townsend, Principal Recruitment Consultant, Sustainable Agriculture, Food & Beverage, EMEA, Acre, said: “There is no doubt the fisheries and aquaculture industry requires an overhaul to ensure it is operating as sustainably and transparently as possible.

“The introduction of new solutions and initiatives, backed by funding such as this support pool will introduce a more impactful approach to the challenges faced by the industry and bolster efforts to drive a greener economy.”