The status of blue mussel stocks in the Danish Limfjord is moderate. Biomass has declined sharply in recent years and there is an increased risk that the reproductive capacity of the stock will be affected. Fishing pressure is adjusted to the size of the stock and takes the food requirements of birds into account, thereby helping to prevent overfishing as much as possible.
Fishing with mussel dredges has no significant bycatch of vulnerable (ETP) species. Discards are low and less than 5% of the catch is discarded. However, starfish, shore crabs and oysters, among others, are also caught. Mussel dredges cause significant damage to the seabed and can alter the food web and seabed structure for long periods. CO₂ emissions and the risk of ghost fishing are low.
Management is considered partially effective. Stocks are regularly monitored and measures are in place to limit fishing pressure, but it is uncertain whether these are sufficient to achieve the recovery of mussel beds. There is also criticism of enforcement of the rules governing fishing in the Limfjord. The fishery is MSC-certified.