The European Union (EU) has initiated legal action against the United Kingdom over access to fishing grounds on the Dogger Bank in the North Sea. Earlier this year, the British imposed restrictions on fishing for sandeel based on nature rules. Brussels says the ban is in breach of the fisheries agreements in the Brexit agreement.
The small sandeel fish is not only economically important, especially for Danish fishermen, but also forms a crucial food source for seabirds. The British rely on previous fishing quota studies for this claim. Denmark and Sweden have asked Brussels to take EU steps.
EU says London is in breach of the Brexit agreement, which says EU and the UK must manage fish stocks “sustainably based on scientific advice” and that restrictions must be proportionate. Brussels says the ban is not scientifically based and calls it a disproportionate restriction on EU vessels.
According to the Danish Pelagic Producers Organisation, the restriction has major economic consequences, as sandeel is an important source of income for Danish fishermen and the associated fishmeal industry.
However, the UK insists the fishing ban is partial, citing significant declines in some gull populations. Environmental groups such as the RSPB support the ban, calling it a fundamental step for conservation.
While the UK government has indicated it is open to consultation with the EU, it continues to support the measure and has completely banned access for both UK and EU vessels to the sandeel fishery in UK waters.