15 January 2018
Following a meeting between Dutch pulse fishermen and English inshore fishermen, just before Christmas, a voluntary agreement has been reached through which the Dutch pulse vessels will refrain from operating in some of the most sensitive areas off the English coast.
The agreement is without prejudice to any future evidence-based policies which may be adopted by the authorities, or further voluntary agreements.
Pim Visser CEO of the Dutch Organisation VisNed, said:
“We recognise that pulse fishing is new and controversial and has led to changes in the spatial distribution and intensity of fishing in some areas. An enormous amount of scientific work has been undertaken and is being undertaken, to measure the effects of pulse fishing. We also acknowledge the concerns of fishermen on the English side, although in my own view much of what has been said is wildly alarmist.”
“Whilst these scientific studies are being undertaken, and as a goodwill gesture, we met with the inshore fishermen from Ramsgate, the Thames Estuary, Orford and Lowestoft in London. It was a very constructive meeting and the English fishermen put forward a number of concrete proposals. The result is we are prepared to accept the closed areas suggested by the fishermen.”
NFFO Chief Executive, Barrie Deas added:
“It seemed worthwhile to see if a voluntary agreement could be reached quickly, with the people most affected in the room, to ensure that the closed areas are in the right place and at the right time. The Dutch fishermen have responded positively so we have taken a small step forward. I think that it is important not to oversell this agreement. I hope that will help a bit but it is without prejudice to any Government policies that might be adopted in the future on the basis of scientific advice.”
The Agreement will come into effect on 15th February 2018.
See the full text of the agreement
VisNed (Coöperatie Kottervisserij Nederland U.A.)
Postadres: Postbus 59, 8320 AB Urk
Telefoon: +31 527 – 68 41 41
Fax: +31 527 – 68 41 66
Kvk: 32170400#
Kantoor: Vlaak 12, 8321 RV Urk
Website: www.visned.nl
Email: info@visned.nl
Twitter: @visned
BTW nr: NL822229237.B.01
Nederlandse Visserbond
Bezoekadres: Ecopark 42 • 8305 BK EmmeloordPostadres: Postbus 64 • 8300 AB Emmeloord
t:+31 (0) 527 698 151
m:+31 (0) 646 223 090
e:djtberends@vissersbond.nl i: www.vissersbond.nl
National Federation Fishermen’s Organisations
30 Monkgate, York, YO31 7PF
Tel: 01904 635430