Hanö Cod Reef
The recovery of cod stocks in the eastern Baltic Sea is progressing slowly, despite a fishing ban in place since 2019. To contribute to the recovery locally, the Hanö Cod Reef initiative has been launched. By constructing artificial reefs on the seabed, cod are provided with better opportunities to hide from predators, which has been shown to have a positive effect on the growth and recovery of local cod populations.
The aim of the project is to improve conditions for cod by installing artificial reefs made of hollow concrete blocks in the inner Hanö Bay off the east coast of Skåne. Hanö Bay is one of the most important areas for Baltic Sea cod, offering good foraging opportunities and proximity to one of the few spawning grounds for cod in the Bornholm Deep. The effects of the artificial reef trial will be evaluated in order to further develop and improve them – whilst also increasing our knowledge of cod.
The Hanö Cof Reef project is being carried out by Lund University, the Marine Centre in Simrishamn Municipality and the Hanö Cod Association. Through BalticWaters’ program for research projects and pre-studies, Hanö Torskrev has been awarded a grant of SEK 995,000 for the scientific part of the project. Further information can be found at www.hanotorskrev.se
Project materials
Article: A sanctuary for cod offers hope for the stock’s recovery (2025-05-19)
SVT: The Fishermen’s Realm (documentary) (2025-02-12)
Article: A sanctuary for Baltic Sea cod (2022-11-30)
Article: The first artificial cod reefs are placed on the seabed (2023-02-23)