Belgian fishermen make more turnover with less fish

Despite the fact that 5.5 percent less fish was landed in 2021, the turnover of Belgian sea fishery has recovered. This is evident from the most recent figures released by the Belgian Statistical Office. 

In 2021, a total of 11,901 tonnes of fish was sold in the Belgian ports. This accounted for a turnover of 60.8 million euros, an increase of 7.8 percent compared to 2020. This increase is mainly due to the higher fish price, which was 13.3 percent higher in 2021 than in 2020 with an average of 5.10 euros per kilo. In that year, both exports and sales to local markets and the catering industry were severely disrupted by the corona pandemic.

Zeebrugge remains the beating heart of the Belgian fish industry. More than half of the fish is landed and sold in the port. Oostende is also an important city for the fish sector, whereas Nieuwpoort lags behind with a share of 2.4 percent. 

Sole remains the most important fish species for Belgian sea fishing, accounting for half of the total catch. Plaice comes second, despite the fact that landings of this fish species fell by just over 7 percent in 2021. Above all, landings of rays fell last year with 17 percent. But here too, rising prices made up for a lot. 

(AHU)

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BELGA PHOTO KURT DESPLENTER - Illustration picture shows the open outcry fish auction (vismijn - visafslag - minque), in Zeebrugge, Friday 18 December 2020.