Belgian sea fisheries show slight recovery after historic low
Belgian sea fisheries saw a modest recovery last year after hitting a historic low in 2024, according to new figures published on Thursday by the Flemish Agency for Agriculture and Sea Fisheries.
Total landings increased by 0.89 per cent to 15,168 tonnes, while the total landing value rose by 5.4 per cent to just under 88.5 million euros.
“Hopefully, this slight increase marks the start of a revival following the historic low point reached in 2024,” the Agency said.
Squid remained the most landed species, accounting for 3,553 tonnes, or nearly 30 per cent of total landings. Sole followed with 2,000 tonnes and plaice with 1,564 tonnes. In terms of value, sole remained by far the most important species, generating 35.7 million euros and representing around 40 per cent of the total landing value.
The top ten was further made up of ray, whiting, monkfish, scallop, dab, shrimp and shark.
Landings in Ostend rose by 4.92 per cent to 5,458 tonnes, while Zeebrugge recorded a slight increase of 0.15 per cent to 6,527 tonnes. Nieuwpoort posted the strongest growth, up 39.5 per cent, although its total volume remained limited at 247 tonnes. Belgian fishermen also landed 2,937 tonnes in foreign ports.
According to the figures, Belgian ports continue to offer stronger prices for fishermen. On average, catches sold in Belgium fetched 6.10 euros per kilogram, compared with 4.72 euros in foreign ports.
EU warns fish stock recovery remains too slow
The publication comes as the European Commission released its ten-year evaluation of the EU’s Common Fisheries Policy (CFP), covering the period from 2014 to 2024. The Commission described the results as mixed, pointing to some progress in reducing overfishing and improving fisheries management, while warning that fish stock recovery remains slower than expected.
The report also highlighted continuing challenges for the sector, including ageing fleets, rising operational costs and pressure on small-scale fishermen. According to the Commission, economic gains anticipated when the CFP was reformed in 2014 have not fully materialised, partly due to geopolitical tensions and high energy prices.
The Commission further noted that many of the difficulties stem not from the rules themselves, but from inconsistent implementation and enforcement across EU member states.
© PHOTO JOHN THYS / AFP
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