Denmark to extend controversial eel fishing

The Danish government’s fisheries proposal allows continued eel fishing at Danish coasts, delighting Allan Buch, vice-chairman of Danish Fishers (Danmarks Fiskeriforening), who has observed increasing eel numbers annually for a decade. Despite roughly 200 licensed commercial eel fishers with an average age of about 70 years, environmental organizations urge discontinuing licenses due to eels being critically endangered, as confirmed by International Council for the Exploration of the Sea (ICES) and the 2019 Danish Red List. Buch disputes this, citing turnaround in eel populations since the 2000s. Fisheries Minister Jacob Jensen emphasizes eel fishing as culturally significant and aims for a comprehensive plan that protects eels while allowing sustainable coastal fishing. Negotiations for a new fishery policy are underway.