Management plan for development of sustainable fisheries for blue mussels, cockles and oysters in the Danish Wadden Sea (39357)

The aim of this project is to develop options for a sustainable fishery for blue mussels, oysters and cockles in the Wadden Sea both within and outside the Natura 2000 site. This is achieved by estimation of stock sizes of blue mussels, cockles and Pacific oysters within the Natura 2000 site as well as cockles and razor clams in relevant fishing areas outside Natura 2000 site. Furthermore, new and more cost-effective methods for monitoring each target species will be developed and tested. Finally, a management plan for sustainable fishing for mussels, cockles and oysters in the Wadden Sea will be provided.

The effect of the project will be that within 3 years, one or more sustainable fisheries for mussels, cockles and oysters will be initiated in the Wadden Sea, as well as a scientific documentation of important fishing grounds for shellfish is provided to counter potential closures of significant areas for shellfish fishing due to spoil dumping. In addition, new and more cost-effective methods for stock assessments will be developed.

In conclusion, this will result in a scientific based management of the shellfish fishery in the Wadden Sea, which will be beneficial for the shellfish fishery.

Partners
DTU Aqua (coordinator)

Funding
The project is funded by the European Maritime and Fisheries Fund (EMFF) and the Danish Fisheries Agency.

Research area: Coastal Ecology