Catch more than a fish

On the island of Fyn, a good catch starts long before the line hits the water. 

Across the Danish island of Fyn, rivers have been restored, barriers removed and spawning grounds rebuilt so that sea trout can return and thrive naturally. Havørred Fyn began with an unusual idea: put nature conservation first, and let fishing tourism follow. Not the other way around.  

The project restored streams, removed barriers, rebuilt spawning grounds, and released young smolt into the water, not to create a quick attraction, but to rebuild sea trout populations that could sustain themselves. 

Today, anglers travel from around the world to fish along Fyn’s coastline, knowing that every catch is the result of decades of conservation. Healthy rivers support healthy fish stocks, creating high-quality fishing experiences that benefit local guides, accommodation providers, restaurants and businesses across the island. 

The cycle doesn’t stop there. Visitor spending helps sustain continued restoration efforts, creating healthier rivers, stronger ecosystems and even better fishing for the future. Here, tourism doesn’t depend on nature alone, it helps keep nature thriving.