For the first time ever, an international council recommends a complete ban on cod fishing in Danish waters due to alarmingly low population levels. The call has sparked sharp reactions among marine biologists and the Danish fishing industry. The cod fishing ban in Denmark starts in 2026 and doesnt only affect Denmark but also stretches west of Scotland and into the English Channel.
International Council Calls for Total Cod Fishing Ban in Denmark
The International Council for the Exploration of the Sea (ICES) has issued a historic recommendation: in 2026, there should be zero cod caught in the North Sea and Skagerrak. This would represent the first time that cod fishing is advised against entirely in these key Danish fishing areas.
The recommendation affects not only Danish territory but also stretches west of Scotland and into the eastern English Channel, signaling a growing urgency to protect cod stocks across several North Atlantic regions.
Cod Populations at Critical Low
ICES has based its recommendation on stark data, pointing to declining reproductive potential among cod. One of the three regional cod subpopulations is currently at a critically low level. ICES warns that without a halt to fishing, there is not enough adult cod left to ensure the population can recover.
Compounding the problem is the difficulty in distinguishing between the three cod subpopulations during fishing operations, making even selective fishing risky. Based on conservation and precautionary principles, the scientific body favors a total fishing ban rather than allowing limited catches.
Cod fishing is already banned in the Baltic Sea, and in the Kattegat region, it is only permitted as bycatch. That means fishers are not allowed to target cod directly and may only land incidental catches under strict regulations.
According to data from ICES, the total spawning stock biomass of North Sea cod has dropped from over 150,000 tons in the late 1960s to fewer than 40,000 tons in recent years – a decline of more than 70%.
Environmental Groups Raise Concerns After Cod Fishing Ban in Denmark
Danish marine biologists and conservation organizations have expressed deep concern. For decades, cod was one of Denmark’s most economically important and iconic fish species. Its decline now marks a sobering milestone in the health of local marine ecosystems.
Environmental organizations such as the World Wildlife Fund (WWF) warn that the cod stock in the North Sea and surrounding waters is approaching the same level of collapse already seen in the Baltic Sea. Just a few decades ago, cod was commonly found across Danish waters; now its presence has dwindled to near irrelevance in some regions.
Fisheries Push Back Against the Recommendation
While scientists urge caution, the Danish fishing industry sees the recommendation as an overreaction. The Danish Fisheries Association has questioned the rationale behind a full ban, arguing that some areas in the North Sea still show healthy cod populations.
Industry representatives emphasize that cod is still being caught in significant numbers in certain parts of the North Sea, particularly outside the southern zones where stocks are considered more fragile. They argue that a blanket ban would disproportionately impact fishing activity, even in areas where cod status is not classified as critical.
According to the Danish Fisheries Association, a full ban could effectively shut down some of Denmark’s most commercially vital fishing zones, threatening livelihood and economic stability in coastal communities.
Political Decisions Ahead For Cod Fishing Ban in Denmark
Despite the strong wording of the ICES recommendation, it is not legally binding. The final decision on whether to impose a ban on cod fishing lies with politicians, primarily within the European Union, as part of annual negotiations over fishing quotas.
Over the coming months, EU member state, including Denmark, will deliberate on the 2026 fishing quotas. The Danish Minister for Food, Agriculture, and Fisheries has acknowledged the importance of the scientific advice and promised the matter will be analyzed closely.
During last year’s quota talks, more than 450,000 tons of fish quotas were allocated in the North Sea for various species. Cod accounted for only a small portion, but the species holds substantial ecological and historical weight for Denmark.
The Broader Picture
The recommendation underscores the ongoing challenges in balancing sustainable fishing with economic concerns. If adopted, it would mark a significant shift in Denmark’s approach to marine resource management and could serve as a precedent for further restrictions in European waters.
Marine experts warn that ignoring the advice could result in further deterioration of cod stocks, making future recovery even more difficult and threatening the overall biodiversity of the region’s marine life.
