JAMMERBUGT IN BALANCE

Project periode: 01.05 2016 – 01.05 2021

Jammerbugt in balance is a VELUX foundations supported project concentrated on the coastal fishing in Thorupstrand (in Jammerbugt) and the sea of Skagerrak. The project combines biological and anthropological research on fishing, fishing communities, gear types, sea habitats and the effects of fishing gear with the development of practical knowledge and actions undertaken with the aim to develop and support the coastal fishing in Jammerbugt – from the process of developing and constructing new wooden fishing boats and the catching of fish, to the sale and branding of high quality fish caught with low impact fishing gear types.

The project gathers and develops knowledge about the environmental effects of fishing and the organisational structures of the coastal fishing community of Jammerbugt with the aim of creating an example of sustainable, low impact fishing through environmental and economic investments and research. The vision of the project is to develop a resilient coastal community based on the life-modes of the small-scale fishery in a long-term, sustainable interaction with a rich maritime plant- and animal community.

Involved

Kirsten M. Hansen, ethnologist, Han Herred Havbaade,
Thomas Højrup, ethnologist, Centre for Sustainable Lifemodes, project manager
Mathilde Højrup, Cand.scient.anth., Jammerbugt in balance
Jan Robert Jore, photographer and filmmaker
Grete E. Dinesen, marine biologist, DTU Aqua
Erik Hoffman, senior consultant, DTU Aqua
Ole R. Eigaard, marine biologist, DTU Aqua
Eva M. Pedersen, marine biologist, DTU Aqua

Focus and research areas

The mapping and documenting of reefs in Skagerrak
Studies of fishing gear effects on ecosystems and sea bottoms
Elaboration of new organizational structures in the fishing community
Certification and branding of sustainably caught fish
Quality of fish and fish prices
Development of new markets and partnerships for marketing of sustainably caught fish
Danish fishing policies and effects on the small-scale coastal fishing fleet
Development of the local fishing community

Films from ‘Jammerbugt in Balance’

In collaboration with the Lighthouse Foundation and Klaus Thymann, the project have created an online course in English on ‘resilient communities’ with Thorupstrand as a case. The course is available free of charge and can be found HERE. Watch the four films from the course here:

1 – Ecology and geology in Jammerbugten. The marine ecosystem in Skagerrak