November 21, 2025
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Press Release

On Friday, November 21, Director-General Roscam Abbing (LVVN) visited the shellfish cluster in Yerseke. During this visit, Deputy Jo-Annes de Bat presented the renewed Zeeland Fisheries Agenda on behalf of the Province of Zeeland. The agenda is intended for the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries, Food Security and Nature, the fisheries sector, and the involved organizations.

Focus on Implementation

The Fisheries Agenda shows the status of the various parts of Zeeland fisheries. It also states what the Provincial Executive Board aims to achieve in the coming years. Since several future visions have recently been made by, among others, the Dutch Fishermens Association, the shellfish sector, and the national government, the Province now opts for a clear action program instead of a new long-term vision. The agenda applies to the period 2026–2031. Additionally, the document outlines what the Province plans to do in the next two years. The agenda will be updated in 2027 and 2029.

“With this action program, we show that we not only appreciate Zeeland fisheries but also truly want to help it progress. There are challenges but also opportunities. Together with the sector, we want to ensure a strong, sustainable, and future-proof fishery in our province,” says Deputy Jo-Annes de Bat.

With the Fisheries Agenda, the Province once again shows its support for Zeeland fisheries. When renewing the Natura 2000 Management Plans, it pays close attention to the sectors interests. The goal is to maintain as much space as possible for the current use of the waters.

Attention to Protein Transition, Poaching, and Steel Slag

The Province also wants to better demonstrate together with the sector the role shellfish can play in the protein transition. There will be more attention to supervision and enforcement against shellfish poaching. Additionally, the Province continues to work to stop the use of steel slag in the Delta waters. Consultations with the national government are ongoing.

The Letter of Intent on Oyster Cultivation, Sustainability, and Nature will be further developed in the coming years with companies, governments, and nature organizations. The Province is also working on plans to make the engines of shellfish cutters more sustainable. Previously, €2.5 million was made available for this. Finally, funds remain available for new ideas and innovations within the Zeeland fisheries sector.