Focus on sustainability and compensation strategies
This article was featured in Eurofish Magazine 1 2025.
In recent years, the urgency of addressing environmental challenges has prompted a renewed focus on marine ecosystems. A conference held at Roskilde University, Denmark, “Green transition in Danish marine systems—focus on sustainability and compensation strategies” brought together experts to discuss strategies for enhancing biodiversity while ensuring sustainable resource management.
The conference featured two insightful keynotes followed by parallel sessions with the following themes, “Aquaculture and compensation strategies” led by Associate Prof. Per Meyer Jepsen (Roskilde University) and, “Biodiversity measures and compensation strategies” led by Associate Prof. Kasper Elgetti Brodersen (Roskilde University). The conference was sponsored by Food and Bio Cluster, Denmark and co-funded by the
European Union.
Collaboration is instrumental in building lasting solutions
Efforts to shape the future of Denmark’s marine ecosystems have highlighted an integrated approach to fostering sustainable change. The recent conference at Roskilde University was structured into keynote addresses and expert-led sessions and offered innovative strategies for addressing the challenges and opportunities within marine restoration, aquaculture, and biodiversity preservation. The keynote presentations set the stage by emphasising the necessity of an ecosystem-based approach to marine management. This holistic framework integrates ecological, social, and economic considerations to create sustainable solutions. Central to this approach is the engagement of all stakeholders—scientists, policymakers, industries, and local communities—working in unison to ensure a balanced and effective green transition. As noted, the complexity of marine ecosystems demands a comprehensive strategy that bridges ecological science with the socio-economic realities of those dependent on marine resources.
Complementing this call for integration, explained in another keynote that posed a foundational question: Why are we doing this? This reflective stance underscored the importance of articulating the purpose of marine initiatives to foster broad inclusion and collaboration. By connecting communities with the intrinsic value of these efforts, the discussion highlighted the potential for turning collective visions into actionable outcomes, uniting scientific innovation with localised implementation to achieve shared goals. These high-level insights were supported by actionable strategies targeting aquaculture and compensation measures. A focus on balancing ecological restoration with sustainable food production revealed a range of innovative solutions. These included cultivating micro- and macroalgae, mussels, and oysters, alongside advancements in land-based recirculating aquaculture systems. A key highlight was a case study from Denmark’s largest trout producer, which showcased the use of science-based targets for nature (SBTN) to assess, document, and mitigate environmental impacts. The example underscored the necessity of viewing aquaculture as an integrated value chain, ensuring sustainable practices across all stages of production while enhancing transparency
and accountability.
New tools and measures to monitor and mitigate environmental changes presented
Parallel discussions centred on biodiversity restoration, exploring strategies to mitigate habitat degradation and promote ecosystem resilience. The introduction of new tools, such as the Biodiversity State Indicator (BSI by DHI, Denmark), demonstrated advances in monitoring and managing biodiversity through ecological data and species-specific analysis. Another critical focus was habitat connectivity, with evidence showing that disruptions in marine ecosystems can lead to cascading biodiversity losses. Innovative methods like eDNA were presented to enhance monitoring precision and inform targeted restoration efforts.
Seagrass restoration emerged as a pivotal topic, highlighting its multifaceted benefits. In addition to providing essential nursery habitats for juvenile fish species, seagrass meadows contribute to ecosystem stability by reducing sediment erosion and offering new services, such as in-situ preservation of archaeological sites through anoxic sediment stabilisation. The use of protective measures, including BESE (Biodegradable EcoSystem restoration Elements) elements and cages, was shown to reduce disturbances from invasive species like green shore crabs, significantly enhancing restoration success rates. These efforts demonstrate the critical role of nature-based solutions in achieving both ecological and cultural preservation objectives.
The discussions culminated in a shared vision for the future of marine ecosystems, a vision where biodiversity thrives, ecosystems are resilient, and sustainable food production supports both local communities and global markets. Achieving this requires the integration of cutting-edge tools, data-driven insights, and a commitment to collaboration across sectors. As highlighted, the pathway to a sustainable marine future lies in embracing innovative solutions that are both inclusive and adaptable, ensuring that progress is built on a foundation of shared purpose and collective action. This comprehensive dialogue marks a significant step forward in addressing the complexities of marine ecosystem management, offering an inspiring blueprint for global efforts to secure a sustainable blue future.
Preserving marine biodiversity can help ward off other threats to the environment
The “Green transition in Danish marine systems—focus on sustainability and compensation strategies” conference at Roskilde University provided a platform for researchers and practitioners to exchange knowledge and strategies for enhancing marine biodiversity while addressing the challenges posed by human activities and climate change. The insights shared during the sessions underscored the importance of collaborative approaches, innovative monitoring techniques, and effective management strategies in safeguarding Denmark’s marine ecosystems for future generations.
As we move forward, it is imperative that policymakers, researchers, and stakeholders continue to work together to implement the findings from such conferences, ensuring that marine biodiversity remains a priority in the face of ongoing environmental challenges. The main conclusion from the common session that concluded the day was that working with a mission-driven approach could pave the way for future efforts to collectively collaborate on ensuring a healthy Danish marine area. But it is imperative that the mission is not only at a Danish level but also on a European scale since a lot of EU countries face similar challenges and pressures to shared marine areas.
Roskilde University and the conference conveners plan to host a similar event in 2026
Per Meyer Jepsen, Associate Professor, pmjepsen@ruc.dk
Kasper Elgetti Brodersen, Associate Professor, elgetti@ruc.dk
Department of Science and Environment, Roskilde University, Denmark