Schleswig-Holstein Fisheries Protection Association

Founded in 1982, the Schleswig-Holstein Fisheries Protection Association represents 74 individual fishers and 9 member associations, primarily operating small boats between 6 and 8 meters using gillnets and fish traps. Despite strong market demand and no sales issues, members face persistent challenges including unfair quota distribution, pressure from heavily subsidized trawlers, excessive safety and bureaucratic requirements, and the dominance of large-scale fishing interests. The association actively works to address these issues through innovative projects, including testing alternative gear with the German Environmental Aid Agency and voluntary agreements to protect harbour porpoises and seabirds. It also fosters partnerships with conservation organisations to support sustainable Baltic Sea fisheries.