Dybdegrænse

Dybdegrænse is a Danish term that translates literally to “depth limit” or “depth boundary.” It denotes a specified maximum depth in a variety of maritime and environmental contexts. The word combines dybde (depth) and grænse (boundary or limit) and is used in both legal texts and technical documentation.

In nautical navigation, dybdegrænser appear on hydrographic charts to indicate the shallowest depth within a particular area. These limits help mariners avoid grounding and guide safe passage through bays, channels, and near coastal shores. The depth boundaries are marked by significant changes in bottom composition or by navigational aids such as buoys and lighthouses.

The term is also employed in fisheries management. Danish fishing regulations set dybdegrænser for various fishing gear to protect vulnerable marine populations. For instance, certain nets may be prohibited beyond a specified depth to safeguard deeper‑water fish stocks. These limits are monitored through fishing vessel logs and electronic reporting systems.

Environmental protection agencies use dybdegrænser when authorizing dredging, seabed sampling, or construction works. A depth limit may be imposed to minimise disturbance to benthic habitats, preserve sediment transport processes, or maintain water quality. Compliance is checked with calibrated sounding equipment, sub‑mersible sensors, and sonar scans.

Dybdegrænser are codified in Danish maritime law, often in alignment with the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea. They are also referenced in the Danish Maritime Authority’s regulations on navigation safety, fishing, and coastal zone management. Enforcement relies on a combination of onboard monitoring, automated depth‑sensing systems, and periodic inspections by relevant authorities.