Research shows that fishing boats in the harbor bring tourists to hotels in Denmark

The presence of active fishing boats in local harbors is a boon for Danish tourism, according to a research study from the University of Copenhagen. In fact, the value of Denmark’s commercial fishery should not only be measured by its catch, but by the amenity value and indirect income it provides to local communities. The researchers believe their study calls for a fine-tuning of the law regarding who is allowed to have fishing quotas.

They woke up long before the sun yawned over the horizon. And as the waves of their vessels crash against the harbor wall, they return with fresh seafood to sell on the beach or from the fish auction in the harbor through a quick conversation, impossible to identify the auctioneers.

It may seem like a relic of a bygone era, when the world was more real and seemed less complicated—when fish came from the cold sea and not from the supermarket cold counter. Fishing is not just about production; it is also a cultural experience.

A study, in Maritime Policy, looking statistically at the relationship between fishing boats and hotel guests around Denmark has now presented this in black and white. The conclusion is clear: active fisheries benefit local tourism.

“Our results show a clear positive correlation between the presence of fishing boats in local ports and the number of local hotel guests. To a significant degree, tourism is positively affected by the presence of active fishing vessels arriving at local ports,” said Max Nielsen from the Department of Food and Resource Economics, who is one of the authors of the study.

Specifically, the study shows that when an additional fishing vessel arrives in port, overnight stays in the area also increase by an average of 1.1%, which equates to about ninety extra nights in the area.

Furthermore, fishing boats have a greater impact when permanently based in a harbor. When an extra boat belonging to a port in a given postcode is added, overnight stays in the same postcode increase by 1.4%, or about 110 overnight stays, according to the study results.

The study also points out that overall fishing activity, not vessel size, contributes most to attracting visitors. The researchers excluded the largest vessels from the data by classifying them based on catch types, but the study shows that the effect applies to medium-sized vessels.

“Small cutters that sell fresh fish directly to tourists contribute to an authentic experience, while industrial trawlers feed a different kind of attraction. However, it is reasonable to believe that there may be interesting “These effects differ depending on the types of fishing vessels present. We hope that future studies can shed more light on this,” said study co-author Rasmus Nielsen.

The research was conducted against a backdrop of decline in the European fisheries sector. As one of four studies in the Nordic countries, the study is part of a report supported by the Nordic Council of Ministers, which is tasked with highlighting possible connections between fishing and tourism in Scandinavia.

Fishing quota system: A success with room for improvement

Based on the study, the researchers believe there is reason for a slight adjustment to the Danish fishing quota legislation.

“In arranging the rules, one can imagine a small port, where there is a tourism sector and some restaurants, that the town’s co-op association has joined forces to finance some fishing quotas. This will allow for fishing and port livelihoods, while positively contributing to the tourism sector This can be of great benefit to small communities and their economies, as well as for the economy created by Danish fisheries in total,” said Max Nielsen.

Torup Strand in North Jutland is an example of how shared quota ownership can boost small-scale fishing and sustain local economies. But these initiatives face a legal hurdle that requires fishing quotas to be owned by the fishermen.

“It makes sense to rethink this aspect of fisheries policy with a focus on including stakeholders other than traditional commercial fishermen,” Nielsen said.

However, the researchers emphasize that the Danish fishing quota system has generally proven to be successful. This has created a more sustainable fishing sector in terms of fish stocks, climate and even for the marine environment. And in particular, for the industry’s own economy.

“Quotas have been good for the economic well-being of society and the fishing sector. Before the quota system, there were too many fishermen chasing too few fish. Investments in boats and equipment were risky and there were many bankruptcies. Quotas regulate the number of fishing vessels at a profitable level because they can be resold while ensuring that marine resources are fully utilized,” said Max Nielsen.

At the same time, it is produced within set limits professionally assessed as sustainable for fish stocks, and with fewer boats, resulting in a reduction of CO.₂ emissions.

“Our results do not suggest any major disturbance. On the contrary, adjusting the rules for fishing to benefit small local communities by opening up joint ownership of a fishing quota by non- -commercial fishermen can boost local tourism and be a good idea,” said Rasmus Nielsen.