Renewing the ecosystem of a polluted Danish fjord is the focus under a white tent on its shores, where volunteers and researchers work on preparing eelgrass shoots to be planted on the seabed.
Denmark has a strong environmental record overall, but only five out of its 109 coastal zones are considered healthy, as per the Danish Environmental Agency.
Eutrophication is a major issue affecting coastal areas in Denmark, including the Vejle fjord, where nutrients from land run-off accumulate, leading to overgrowth of microorganisms and algae.
This algae overgrowth blocks light and oxygen, causing harm to plants and wildlife.
An underwater camera installed in the Vejle fjord by the municipality found just one fish in 70 hours.
– ‘Completely collapsed’ –
Demark, known for being a significant pork producer, uses over 60% of its land for agriculture, which has sparked concerns about run-off pollution in recent years.
A 2022 report by the University of Southern Denmark (USD) highlighted the poor environmental state of the Vejle fjord due to nitrogen run-off from farm fertilizers.
The warm summer of 2023 exacerbated the oxygen depletion issue, resulting in dead fish in the fjord.
Excess nutrients have been polluting the fjord for several decades, leading to a recent collapse in its condition.
Efforts to reintroduce eelgrass to the fjord began in 2018, with volunteers helping scientists plant eelgrass shoots to restore the seabed and revive wildlife.
Since the project started in 2020, six hectares of seabed and over 100,000 eelgrass shoots have been planted, leading to signs of aquatic life returning in some areas.
Greenpeace held a symbolic “funeral” for the Vejle fjord in April to highlight the deteriorating state of Danish coastal waters.
On World Oceans Day, the Danish Ocean Institute organized eelgrass transplant operations at 32 sites across the country to focus on nature restoration and reducing nutrient emissions in Danish waters.
Striving for a healthier marine ecosystem remains a priority for researchers and environmentalists alike.
