Hundreds of millions planned to restore Mariager Fjord

A project led by Daniel Lux aims to revive Mariager Fjord by 2040, addressing severe ecological damage caused by nutrient pollution and toxic algal blooms known locally as “fedtemøg.”

Lux, director of Hydrogen Valley business park and the Cemtec Foundation, wants to restore clean water for swimming, fishing, and diving. The plan includes artificial oxygenation, mussel farming to extract nutrients, and removing up to 100,000 tons of nutrient-rich sediment.

Costs remain uncertain, with estimates ranging from DKK 500 million for lightly contaminated sediment to DKK 2.5 billion if heavily polluted. Lux is seeking funding from various sources.

Mariager Fjord Municipality’s mayor, Jesper Skov Mikkelsen (Venstre), called the proposal promising but stressed the municipality has not yet committed. A potential site near Mariager Saltcenter could host a project exhibition, lab, and office.

Mikkelsen noted the fjord’s health is vital for tourism and local quality of life.