EU launches arbitration case against UK over access to Dogger Bank for Danish fishermen

Prolonged negotiations have failed to yield results. EU officials, particularly Danish politicians, have attempted to dissuade the UK from its decision to deny Danish fishermen access to the lucrative Dogger Bank waters, where the small fish species, tobis, a major source of income for Danish fishermen, is typically found. The fishing dispute has escalated into one of the most serious conflicts since Brexit, with the EU Commission initiating a legal complaint against the former member state in April. The EU has now launched an arbitration case against the UK.

The announcement has been met with cautious optimism by the Danish Fishermen’s Association. Chairman Svend-Erik Andersen expressed satisfaction that the EU has taken this step, although he lamented that the tobis fishery has been severely restricted this year due to fishermen being barred from key fishing areas. Norway’s tobis is critical, as it yields 118,000 tons annually, primarily used for fish oil and fish meal. Restrictions on Danish fishing are justified by the UK on the grounds that certain seabird populations, dependent on tobis, are declining. However, the EU claims this violates a fishing agreement reached during the final stages of Brexit negotiations.

Asger Christensen, a member of the European Parliament, indicated that despite his efforts to support Danish fishermen over the past ten months, he sees the arbitration as an unfortunate necessity. He expressed concerns over the reliability of international trade agreements and emphasized the need to set a precedent through this case. The Danish fishermen hold 96% of the EU’s tobis quota in the North Sea, making the British waters vital, though their action may not significantly impact the UK’s fishing industry.

The EU Commission believes the UK’s ban lacks a scientific foundation and is disproportionate to its anticipated effects, yet dialogues have reached an impasse. The arbitration process may last several months, leaving Danish fishermen in uncertainty over their future. The overall value of Denmark’s tobis fishery is estimated at 500 million kroner.