Almost one-third of the Dutch shrimp fishing fleet is expected to leave the sector after dozens of vessel owners signed up to a voluntary government buyout scheme. The move will see many traditional cutters scrapped and end family fishing histories along the Dutch coast.
Dutch media outlet NOS.nl reports that by mid-December, 48 shrimp fishers had applied for the scheme with the Netherlands Enterprise Agency (RVO).
The fleet currently consists of 161 licensed vessels. If all applications are approved, close to one in three ships will disappear.
Fleet shrinking along the entire coast
The impact is already visible in ports such as Den Oever. Shrimp cutter WR-98 has been landing around 200 kilos of shrimp after 24 hours at sea, earning skipper Daan Hermans and his crew about EUR 1,200 per trip. Hermans has decided to stop fishing and join the buyout. His vessel will be scrapped.
According to the Dutch Fishers’ Association, the situation in Den Oever reflects a wider national trend. Shrimp fishers are losing access to grounds in Natura 2000 areas, including the Wadden Sea and coastal zones, due to growing environmental restrictions.
Rising costs and environmental rules
New nitrogen rules also require vessels to install cleaner engines. These investments can cost up to EUR 100,000 per ship. After years of talks with the government and approval from Brussels, the sector itself requested a voluntary buyout scheme.
Hermans says the decision to quit was driven by shrinking fishing areas, a lack of Dutch crew, and high investment risks. The compensation runs into several hundred thousand euros, but debts and taxes still apply. The key result, he says, is leaving the industry debt-free.
Hermans plans to stay in maritime work. He intends to return to school to obtain seafaring certificates and look for jobs in ports, pilot services, inland shipping, or other maritime sectors.