Spiny dogfish swarm close to shore at Sæby harbor

Spiny dogfish have gathered in unusually large numbers close to shore at Sæby Harbor, where anglers can catch them from land, DR reports. Marine biologist Rune Kristiansen of Kattegatcentret said both the fish’s proximity to shore and their numbers were unusual.

The dogfish have been at the harbor since the autumn holiday, compared with just one week last year. Anglers from across Denmark, including Funen and Copenhagen, have travelled to Sæby to try to catch them, said local angler Lasse Dam Mortensen, who works at a fishing tackle shop 15 metres from the harbor.

Mortensen has caught several dogfish and has also cooked them at home. He said he was drawn mainly by the chance to catch them from land and the story behind their presence. He has tried them smoked, describing the taste as similar to salted smoked fish.

Kristiansen said female spiny dogfish gather in schools and move towards shore with their prey. He also pointed to improvements in the population since the species was protected from commercial fishing in 2010. Commercial fishing became legal again in 2023, while recreational anglers have always been allowed to catch the fish.

Spiny dogfish can live for up to 75 years and grow to 160 centimetres. Their venomous spines are the source of their name. Kristiansen said the large numbers at Sæby were a positive sign that the protection had worked.