– Life in the sea is under pressure. That is why we need more protected areas at sea, and that is why we are now taking a really big step, where we are ensuring that approximately 30 percent of Denmark’s sea area is protected, she says.
At present, approximately 19 percent of Denmark’s sea area is protected.
In 12 of the newly designated areas, there will be a concrete ban on fishing in parts of the areas.
The ban must ensure that the seabed is not disturbed and that species such as sea feathers, fish and guinea pigs have better living conditions.
– We want to help take particularly good care of life in the sea right there, says Lea Wermelin and adds that the specially protected areas will make up 4.1 percent of the Danish sea areas.
In addition to the expanded marine protection, the government has stepped in with the protection of six new bird protection areas.
In Flensburg Fjord and Sejerøbugten, among other places, there will be stricter rules. This means that, in principle, the authorities cannot grant permission for activities in the areas that could harm the birds.
– There are many migratory bird routes across Denmark, and too little has been done in the past to protect those birds. That is why we are designating some areas that will provide special protection for eider ducks and sea urchins, among other things, says Lea Wermelin.
The bird protection creates joy at the Danish Ornithological Society. Chairman Egon Østergaard calls it “nothing short of excellent that we now get to protect our migratory birds, far better than they have been before”.
– It is their pantry that is in question, and Denmark is extremely important for millions of birds that migrate back and forth between their breeding grounds and their winter quarters, he says.
The Danish Society for Nature Conservation is positive that there is now better protection of the sea.
However, President Maria Reumert Gjerding maintains that Denmark has succumbed to the EU target that 10 percent of the sea area must be totally protected.
– I am really sorry that the level of ambition is not higher, she says.
– We see fish stocks in decline, we see a seabed that is very damaged, so it is absolutely necessary that nature in the sea gets a helping hand, and that we become more ambitious on nature protection.
The plan for the new sea areas will be sent for consultation and will later be included in an action program for Denmark’s sea strategy.
Source: The Nordic Page