Jacob Clausen, owner of Denmark’s oldest fishmongers, P. Clausen’s Fish Shop in Aarhus, has been removed from the board of the Danish Fishmongers Association following his public denouncement of farmed salmon.
Clausen, a fifth-generation fishmonger, stated last week that his shop would no longer sell farmed salmon, citing concerns over animal welfare, environmental impacts, and the quality of the product. He described farmed salmon as “unfit for human consumption.”
“The entire farming process is problematic,” Clausen said. “It’s about animal welfare, environmental consequences, overfishing of feedstocks, and quality. I don’t believe humans should consume the industrially produced feed used today.”
Farmed salmon accounts for over 99% of all salmon sold in Denmark, making Clausen’s decision both controversial and economically significant.
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Removal from Board
The Danish Fishmongers Association informed Clausen on Tuesday that he was being removed from his board position. Clausen claims the decision was based on his comments, which were viewed as undermining the industry, according to Danish media outlet TV2.
“They told me my statements damage the foundation of their businesses,” Clausen said.
Clausen, however, expressed little surprise at the outcome, acknowledging that his stance challenges the industry norm. “I’ve known this was coming, but I’m standing by my beliefs,” he said.
Clausen acknowledged that his decision to cease selling farmed salmon could have significant financial repercussions. However, he remains committed to his stance, stating that the long-term sustainability of fishing practices is more important than immediate business concerns.
“For me, the business is secondary. It’s about making a lasting impact,” Clausen said.
