The small sand eel is not only economically important, especially for Danish fishermen, but also constitutes a crucial food source for seabirds. The British base this claim on previous fishing quota studies. Denmark and Sweden have requested that Brussels take EU action.
According to the EU, London is violating the Brexit agreement, which states that the EU and the UK must manage fish stocks ‘sustainably based on scientific advice’ and that restrictions must be proportionate. Brussels argues that the ban is not scientifically justified and labels it a disproportionate limitation on EU vessels.
According to the Danish Pelagic Producers Organization, the restriction has major economic consequences, as sand eel is an important source of income for Danish fishermen and the associated fishmeal industry.
However, the UK maintains that the fishing ban is partial and points to a significant decline in certain gull populations. Environmental organizations such as the British RSPB support the ban, calling it a fundamental step for nature conservation.
Although the British government has indicated openness to consultations with the EU, it continues to support the measure and has completely banned access to sand eel fisheries in British waters for both British and EU vessels.