Sailors in Nieuwpoort concerned, less and less space to sail
They are sounding the alarm in the Nieuwpoort marina, because a new Marine Spatial Plan will come into force in three years’ time, a plan that divides the North Sea into different areas according to activity. More and more space is taken up by aquaculture, so there is less space left for recreational boating and artificial fishing, for example.
New Marine Spatial Plan
From 2026 there will be a new Marine Spatial Plan, and at the marina of Nieuwpoort they hope for more participation: “In that plan we hope for more participation, or at least that they will inform us when something changes in the zones where pleasure craft have an impact. has”, says port manager Maarten Desloovere.
The mussel farm at sea turns out to be a source of annoyance. Several sailors were fined for crossing the safety zone. Other sailors then have to turn around completely. Sailors are finding it increasingly difficult to sail at sea, and now the zones are in danger of being restricted.