Denmark boasts one of the most advanced and productive fishing industries in Europe, with a history dating back centuries due to its extensive coastline and proximity to rich fishing grounds in the North Sea, Baltic Sea, and Skagerrak. The country is renowned for its sustainable fisheries management and modern fleet, making it a leading exporter of fish and seafood products. The top fish catches in Denmark include Atlantic herring, cod, mackerel, plaice, and sandeel, with herring and mackerel being particularly significant for both domestic consumption and export. Danish fisheries have evolved from traditional small-scale operations to a technologically sophisticated sector, balancing economic importance with environmental stewardship. The industry remains vital to many coastal communities and continues to adapt to changing regulations and market demands.
| Rank | Fish Species | Metric Tons |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | European sprat | 106,275 |
| 2 | Atlantic herring | 95,401 |
| 3 | Sandeels(=Sandlances) nei | 73,213 |
| 4 | Blue whiting(=Poutassou) | 45,517 |
| 5 | Blue mussel | 23,982 |
| 6 | Norway pout | 21,212 |
| 7 | Atlantic mackerel | 21,071 |
| 8 | Common edible cockle | 10,771 |
| 9 | European plaice | 7,635 |
| 10 | Northern prawn | 7,409 |
| 11 | Atlantic horse mackerel | 5,302 |
| 12 | Norway lobster | 5,019 |
| 13 | Haddock | 4,489 |
| 14 | Boarfish | 4,305 |
| 15 | Atlantic cod | 3,641 |
| 16 | European hake | 3,606 |
| 17 | European pilchard(=Sardine) | 3,151 |
| 18 | Saithe(=Pollock) | 2,297 |
| 19 | Angler(=Monk) | 2,132 |
| 20 | Whiting | 1,566 |
| 21 | Common shrimp | 1,153 |
| 22 | Common dab | 898 |
| 23 | Witch flounder | 771 |
| 24 | Ling | 755 |
| 25 | Solid surf clam | 665 |
| 25 | European flounder | 665 |
| 27 | Lemon sole | 509 |
| 28 | Turbot | 489 |
| 29 | Edible crab | 400 |
| 30 | Greater weever | 360 |
| 31 | Red starfish | 344 |
| 32 | Common sole | 317 |
| 33 | European anchovy | 303 |
| 34 | Pollack | 277 |
| 35 | Atlantic wolffish | 254 |
| 36 | Garfish | 206 |
| 37 | Brill | 179 |
| 38 | Cephalopods nei | 175 |
| 39 | European eel | 163 |
| 40 | Grey gurnard | 160 |
| 41 | Sailray | 101 |
| 42 | Whelk | 100 |
| 43 | Atlantic halibut | 98 |
| 44 | Lumpfish(=Lumpsucker) | 73 |
| 45 | European lobster | 71 |
| 46 | Marine crabs nei | 62 |
| 47 | Megrim | 49 |
| 47 | Greater forkbeard | 49 |
| 49 | Common prawn | 46 |
| 50 | Sticklebacks | 40 |
Data from FAO. 2025. Global Capture Production. In: Fisheries and Aquaculture.