As part of our efforts to improve the marine environment around Lillebælt and Flensburg Fjord, we are establishing fish nurseries. Together with Sønderborg Harbour and Sønderborg Municipality, our goal is to have 20 fish nurseries by 2025.
What is a fish nursery?
Fish nurseries – also known as mussel beds – are small underwater oases where fish fry can safely take their first swim without being caught by predators such as cormorants, jellyfish or larger fish. Fish nurseries also provide new habitats for mussels, seaweed, small animals and microorganisms, and therefore playing a key role in boosting the biodiversity in our harbours.
The fish nursery itself consists of a galvanised steel box made of wire mesh with 4-5-cm openings that allow the youngest fish to seek shelter from larger predators. Stockings are suspended from the top of the box and filled with live mussels aged 1–2 years. As the mussels grow, they form dense, curtain-like clusters that create surfaces and hiding places where different species of seaweed, algae, and small shellfish can settle. The mussels don’t just provide food and shelter for the fish fry; they also serve as a natural water purification system, filtering nutrients and improving the water quality.
The waters surrounding Sønderborg Municipality are home to species like plaice, garfish, cod, mackerel, eel, and sculpin, all of which benefit from having safe spaces for their young.
You’ll soon be able to spot fish nurseries at the following locations in Sønderborg Municipality
- Sønderborg waterfront
- Sønderborg marina
- Høruphav marina
- Dyvig marina
- Gråsten marina
- Mommark marina
- Marina minde marina
- Verdens ende marina
- Augustenborg Boat Club
Do you want to bring new life to your harbour?
Every fish nursery brings new life below the surface, and the effect only multiplies as more nurseries are added. This means more hiding places, more life and better conditions for the harbour fauna.
As an individual or a business, you can donate to one or more fish nurseries in your local harbour. It’s a simple, hands-on way to support marine life and give the next generation of fish a fighting chance.
Contact us for prices and options.