It’s a party in Den Oever during the Flora and Fisheries Days, because the fishery is put in the spotlight. Despite this, there is a low attendance of fishing boats at the annual fleet review. Professional fishermen are in dire straits.
“The fuel has become more expensive, at the same time they have to buy a lot of new engines, because there are more and more nitrogen regulations. So they don’t know which way to go,” says Adinda Lont, board member of the Flora and Fisheries Days. Still, that shouldn’t spoil the fun: “It’s still just as cozy,” says fisherman Rene Leijs.
More and more rules
Last year, at least 43 boats came to the event, this year only 21 boats. “It is mainly the shrimp fleet that is struggling with little catch at the moment”, according to Leijs. The increased energy prices also ensured that the fishing boats did not travel to Den Oever for the fleet review. “Nowadays everything is so expensive. They would rather stay in Denmark than sail there for a day.”
Less space
Professional fishermen also have to fish in a smaller area at the same time, says Lont. The cause: the construction of wind farms and the reduction of the designated fishing area due to Brexit. “Over the years, more and more rules have been added for fishermen. More and more areas are being cordoned off for wind farms, which is also very important, of course, but that actually means that fishermen have less and less space to fish. At the same time, they have to purchase new engines, because nitrogen requirements are becoming increasingly strict. So they actually end up in a very narrow area where they don’t know which way to go,” says Lont.
Whale
However, giving up professional fishing is not an option for many. “I think it’s a wonderful profession,” says fellow fisherman Rene de Jong. “You are free on the water, you never have the same view. You catch every pull because otherwise and this week we saw a whale. Those are the beautiful moments.”
The low number of fishing boats present should therefore not spoil the fun. “It doesn’t matter for the atmosphere,” says De Jong. The visitors also agree. “The atmosphere is so nice here. People all know each other, everyone is happy. What more could we want?!”