The Nature & Bos agency emphasizes that in addition to sanctioning, it also focuses on awareness and prevention. So -called ‘rodswards’ have been used for this for a number of years. Those volunteers have no formal authority, but can inform fishermen about the applicable rules and offer them support in, for example, setting out fish. They can also sound the alarm for unexpected events, such as sudden fish mortality.
According to the agency, the presence of the stewards “leads to a noticeable improvement in compliance with legislation”. There are currently 24 local steward teams in Flanders, good for more than 150 volunteers spread throughout the Flemish Region.