22 of 56 shellfish boats suspected of illegal engines

The Danish Agriculture and Fisheries Authority found potential violations involving illegal engines on 22 out of 56 mussel and oyster fishing vessels. Last year, media reports based on information from engine manufacturers and suppliers, stated that vessels in Limfjorden had used illegally powerful engines for years. The Danish Auditors criticized the Food Ministry’s inadequate supervision over mussel fishing in Limfjorden. Since 2004, a 130-kilowatt limit has been in place for fishing vessels’ engines to protect the marine environment. The prohibition of engine ‘de-rating,’ which can be manually overridden, was breached by these vessels. Jacob Jensen, Minister for Food, Agriculture and Fisheries, expects violations to be sanctioned and the authority is now investigating the 22 ships for possible legal action. The majority of cases are expected to be reviewed by mid-2025. Danish Fishers (Danmarks Fiskeriforening) stresses that there was no intention to cheat and calls for clear legal compliance in the future.