Læsø fishermen eye tuna as minister considers Danish quota

Fishermen on the Danish island of Læsø hope to catch bluefin tuna weighing several hundred kilograms, DR reports. The species has returned to Danish waters, including the sea around Læsø, and Environment Minister Marie Reumert Gjerding is open to introducing catch quotas.

“Fishermen from Læsø could easily fish for tuna as a supplement to their other fishing. Alternatively, they could take recreational anglers on board,” said Jess Jessen-Klixbüll, a board member of Læsø Havcenter, an organisation working to create an experience and activity centre on the island.

Bluefin tuna appeared in Danish waters again about 10 years ago, but catching tuna in Denmark is not currently permitted because Denmark is not part of the international quota of 48,000 tonnes.

Gjerding told Politiken that if Denmark can trade for a tuna quota for recreational anglers next year, she sees no obstacle to reaching an agreement. In the longer term, she said she wants to work towards Denmark receiving a share of the overall bluefin tuna quota.

Jessen-Klixbüll welcomed the statement, pointing to large-scale tuna fishing in the Mediterranean and Norway’s own quota. He said Denmark should also receive a quota if the tuna population remains healthy and the case is argued properly.

The quota could particularly benefit Læsø fishermen, whose catches of Norway lobster have been restricted, according to Kim Edberg Andersen, fisheries spokesperson for the Denmark Democrats. He said it would be reasonable to give them the opportunity to catch something other than Norway lobster.

Bluefin tuna disappeared from Danish waters during the 1960s. The species has been drawn back to the area by increased stocks of herring and mackerel, which are among its main sources of food.