Minister to review critique of bottom trawling report

A report from Aarhus University on the impact of bottom trawling on benthic animals faced criticism for serious errors by DTU researchers, claiming parts of its conclusions are unreliable. Environment Minister Magnus Heunicke, who previously referred to the report to argue for better protection of the seabed, has received the critique and is reviewing the material from DTU. Upcoming negotiations could establish new rules for commercial fishing in Denmark. Heunicke declined to comment on whether the report will still be used in negotiations. Jørgen L.S. Hansen, one of the report’s authors, defends it, stating it’s based on conservative estimates and underrepresents the effect on the seabed. The report, backed by the Danish Society for Nature Conservation with Velux Foundation funds, highlights the disruption caused by dragging gears over the seabed, affecting organisms like Norway lobsters and shrimps.