Lower Saxony Plans Fishing-Free Zones in the North Sea

The German state of Lower Saxony plans to designate approximately ten percent of its coastal waters in the North Sea as strictly protected, fishing-free areas. The proposed zones are located within the Lower Saxony Wadden Sea National Park and the Borkum Reef marine protected area. Environment Minister Christian Meyer stated that the remaining 90 percent of coastal waters will remain accessible for shrimp and mussel fishing, though restrictions will affect shrimp fishermen. The state will provide over one million euros in compensation and support for environmental services to the fishing industry, which includes 114 vessels and 317 employees, 88 of which are shrimp cutters. The legislative process to amend the National Park Act is expected to begin after the summer break, with completion targeted for spring 2027. The plan is based on the EU Biodiversity Strategy for 2030. Fishing associations have called for further discussions and impact assessments, while environmental groups WWF and Deutsche Umwelthilfe advocate for stronger protection of the Wadden Sea from bottom trawling.