Resistance to EU plans - Future pact: North Sea towns concerned about coastal fishing
Out of concern for the disappearance of coastal fishing along the German North Sea coast, a coalition of representatives from municipalities, tourism, fisheries, and business in Cuxhaven has initiated the "Future Pact Coastal Fisheries 2050". This pact demands that coastal fisheries in Lower Saxony and Schleswig-Holstein be sustainably secured through political framework conditions, as the organizers announced. The background to this is the EU's plans to ban fishing with nets that touch the seabed in protected areas by 2030 at the latest.
Without fishing boats in the harbor, a tourist magnet is lost
The coastal fisheries are not only important for the fishing industry but for the entire tourism and local economy, said Hans-Peter Heikens, mayor of the municipality of Jemgum, to which the fishing village of Ditzum belongs. "If the boats are no longer there, a tourist magnet is lost," he said. This would not only affect accommodation providers and gastronomy but also service stations or craft businesses.
As early as January, a coalition of representatives from municipalities, the tourism industry, and the chamber of industry and commerce in East Frisia had presented a first "Future Pact Coastal Fisheries 2050". The concern about coastal fisheries is driving all actors along the German North Sea coast, emphasized Heikens. Therefore, further representatives from municipalities, districts, associations, and chambers in Lower Saxony and Schleswig-Holstein have joined the demands.
Demand for a "secured fishing right"
In the future pact signed and expanded in Cuxhaven, a "secured fishing right" in the coastal sea is demanded, with which fishing areas and fishing possibilities, for example for shrimp fishermen, should be preserved. The fishing times could be restricted based on scientific findings. Furthermore, alternative fishing techniques and species, as well as the possibilities of aquaculture, should be investigated. An alternative could, for example, be the cultivation of mussels in offshore wind farms, said Heikens. Touristic offers that include coastal fisheries could also be expanded.
Furthermore, the establishment of a fisheries fund is proposed, from which, for example, regional shrimp processing centers, modernization measures on ships, or modern harbor infrastructure could be funded. Money should be paid into this fund by all actors who use fishing areas. "It is crucial that we now go together and consistently implement the agreed measures," said Dirk Sander from the Association of German Cutter and Coastal Fisheries.
Jemgum's mayor Heikens emphasized that it is beyond question that fisheries must change for better marine protection and in the face of climate change. "But fisheries must also be given room," he emphasized. "If the EU enforces the ban on bottom-trawling fisheries, then there is no room left."
The proposed "secured fishing right" in the coastal sea, as outlined in the "Future Pact Coastal Fisheries 2050", is essential for preserving fishing areas and opportunities for fishermen, such as shrimp fishermen. (Demand for a "secured fishing right")
The EU's plans to ban fishing with nets that touch the seabed in protected areas by 2030 are a significant concern for coastal fisheries in Lower Saxony and Schleswig-Holstein, and a potential loss of fishing boats could have far-reaching implications for the local tourism and economy. (Without fishing boats in the harbor, a tourist magnet is lost)
