Forurening

Reduction of nutrient pollution 

This report examines how nutrient pollution affects Danish coastal waters and outlines the policy measures needed to restore good ecological status.

Conclusions:

• Danish coastal waters are in severely deteriorated condition, and nutrient pollution—especially nitrogen from agriculture—is a primary driver of oxygen depletion, eelgrass loss and declining fish stocks.

• National nitrogen loading has remained virtually unchanged over the past decade, and the largely voluntary policy approach has not delivered the reductions required to improve the marine environment.

• Achieving the national nitrogen cap of 38,300 tonnes by 2027 requires at least a one-third reduction in nitrogen loading, substantial land-use changes (200,000–300,000 hectares set aside), and an ambitious CO₂e tax on agricultural emissions.

• Strong synergies exist between climate, biodiversity and marine policies; effective action therefore requires integrating these agendas and strengthening local implementation, including coastal water councils, stricter wastewater treatment standards, international cooperation and targeted marine restoration efforts.