The fishery is in dire straits: dozens of fishermen have taken advantage of the restructuring scheme and those who did stay have to deal with historically poor catches. Nevertheless, next weekend will be the Flora and Fisheries Days again, in which the fishery is central. The brand new board has to do without the beloved Arnoud Vooijs, who passed away earlier this year. However, the organization does not want to fall only in minor. There will be an innovation square and it should be a party.
That the fishermen are having a hard time will be noticed on Monday at the fleet review. Where 40 to 50 ships used to participate, the organization can now be happy if they tap the 20 cutters. Of course many fishermen have stopped, but that is not the only reason that there are now many fewer. “Many fishermen are under pressure,” says Remco Nieuwenhuizen of the organization of the Flora and Fisheries Days. “The catch is bad, especially the shrimp.”
Out of pocket
“It’s impossible to explain why. It’s nature. But I’ve heard it hasn’t been this bad in the last 25 years. There’s a lot of uncertainty and we’re asking the fishermen for a favor by joining us. sailing with the fleet review, but if you have not earned anything for seven or eight months, it is difficult to sail out of your own pocket, because not only do you miss income, the boat also has to sail and it is often a party with drinks and music .”
The fleet is now smaller than in previous years. Robin Nieuwenhuizen, Remco’s cousin, is leading the way with his ‘flagship’ WR36, which he bought last year and with which he is therefore jumping into the deep end in these turbulent times. Furthermore, the Flora and Fisheries Days are back to normal. “We have put together a nice program again and are looking forward to a very nice weekend.”
Because despite all the negative developments, the – almost completely new – organization does not want to fall into a downer and tries to emphasize the positive sides. For example, there is an innovation square where the latest developments in fishing, such as an electric motor and the cultivation of seaweed, are shown. And they don’t want to dwell too much on the fishermen who have stopped. Nieuwenhuizen: “The former fishermen also have no need for new attention, because when they stop their business they also sell a piece of their soul.”
Another change is that the fish handed out this weekend is no longer free. A small contribution is now requested. “We realized that it was no longer possible,” says Nieuwenhuizen. “We do it to promote the fish, but by giving it away for free you show that fish is of little value. This gives a clear signal that fish is valuable food, is caught and prepared traditionally and that a lot of work is done for it .”
Arnold
The board has been almost completely renewed. That is largely due to the unexpected death of chairman Arnoud Vooijs, earlier this year. “When he left, the rest of the board was about to stop,” says Nieuwenhuizen. “They didn’t want to celebrate while they were still grieving.” Arnoud had already started organizing this edition of the Flora and Fisheries Days and Friday evening is a private commemoration.
“But it was the right decision to take over now,” continues Nieuwenhuizen. “We are also already thinking about the future of the Flora and Fisheries Days. This also includes the fleet review: is it feasible for the future? But first we will finish this edition. We want to keep it in its normal form as best as possible, and we will see to improve. But that it continues to exist, we will continue to work hard for it. It must remain a party.”
The Flora and Fisheries Days are from Friday to Monday in the port of Den Oever.