Mussel fisherman faces uncertainty over future of industry in Limfjord, Denmark

The Margrethe P, a mussel cutter from Fur, navigates the waves of the Limfjord while seven meters below, small shellfish hide in the dark seabed. Peter Skou Dalsgaard, a 36-year-old mussel fisherman, has dedicated his career to this trade, investing 15 million kroner in his cutter and fishing licenses. However, he is now uncertain about the future of mussel fishing.

“It looks bleak. I struggle to figure out how to continue fishing like this,” Dalsgaard states. He operates his vessel alone, using a mussel dredge—a heavy net with a scraping iron that lifts large amounts of mussels from the seabed. This method has been in place for decades, but environmental concerns have significantly reduced the areas available for fishing. Limitations on fishing depths have been imposed, with many areas restricted to waters deeper than 5.8 meters. Mussels typically thrive at depths between three and nine meters, meaning substantial portions of potential fishing grounds are now off-limits.

As a result, Dalsgaard faces diminishing catches, impacting his ability to generate revenue and manage loan repayments. His fresh mussels are primarily supplied to restaurants and supermarkets globally, with a significant portion exported. He currently sells his catch to Vilsund Blue, the last remaining mussel company in the region, down from five similar enterprises.

The Ministry of Environment aims to protect potential eelgrass areas, which serve as habitats for fish and help cleanse the water. While Dalsgaard acknowledges the importance of preserving eelgrass, he argues that fishing should continue until water quality improves. As he contemplates the future, he explores the possibility of transitioning to alternative fuel sources for his boat, expressing concerns over investments amidst uncertainty in the industry. “You can’t believe in the future… not as it stands now,” he concludes.