Aquaculture

Denmark has a strong position in fish production and aquaculture has a long and well established tradition in the country. The main product produced is rainbow trout from freshwater ponds and mariculture units.

Danish aquaculture is strictly regulated by environmental rules, with the exception of full recirculation eel farms, all Danish fish farms have to be officially approved in accordance with the Danish Environmental Protection Act.

Freshwater fish farms
The North American rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss) has been farmed in Danish freshwater ponds for more than 100 years. The Danish freshwater fish production is currently taking place in about 230 fish farms, primarily Jutland (Danish: Jylland). In 2007, the freshwater fish farms produced approximately 30,000 tonne fish.

Marine fish farms
Marine fish farms have existed in Denmark since the 1970’s. The Danish production of marine fish is primarily the North American rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss). Currently there are 18 marine fish farms in Denmark, and in 2010 they produced approximately 10.000 tonne fish.

Production of alien and locally absent species in aquaculture
The use of alien and locally absent species in aquaculture generally requires a permit pursuant to the Aquaculture Regulation (Council Regulation (EC) No 708/2007). The choice of species and whether it will be produced in an open or closed facility affect the permit requirement.