In Zeebrugge and Ostend, 12,408 tons of fish were landed this year, good for 73.8 million euros in turnover, a decrease of six percent. The squid are becoming an increasingly important part of this, but cannot compensate for the reduced catch of sole.
The reduced quota for sole, almost halved in two years, is a millstone around the neck of the sector, as is Brexit, which continues to cause difficulties for supply lines.
But the sector is still hopeful. A new ship will come into service next year, and a new digital auction system.