Information from the Dutch Food and Consumer Product Safety Authority (NVWA) in 2021 led to the start of an investigation into the involvement of Dutch fishermen and traders in illegal fishing. After intensive investigation carried out by the HIEC, a day of action took place in spring 2023. The HIEC is the High Impact Environmental Crime team of the National Enforcement and Intervention Unit focusing on large-scale organized environmental crime.
During this operation, several suspects were arrested and multiple fishing cutters were seized. Large quantities of undersized fish were found and confiscated in hidden compartments onboard. In three vessels, the police discovered hidden compartments where black fish was stored. Black fish is traded outside official supervision. This often involves undersized fish or fish caught during prohibited periods. The amount involved is several thousand kilos of illegally caught and traded fish. The fish was usually resold at night, out of sight of supervisors. This took place on a large scale over a prolonged period.
This approach was made possible thanks to cooperation with various teams from the National Enforcement and Intervention Unit (LO) and the National Expertise and Operations Unit (LX). Over 250 colleagues were present during the day of action.
Hidden compartments
The Public Prosecution Service (OM) has dealt with cases against involved shipping companies, traders, crew members, and skippers in various ways. Six skippers and six crew members appeared before the court in Middelburg and received conditional prison sentences and heavy community service sentences. Penal orders were imposed on the shipping companies. In two cases, as part of the penal order, it was decided to destroy the boats. Illegal fish was hidden in special compartments on these boats. In two other cases, fines of 32,000 and 48,000 euros were imposed. No hidden compartments were found on these boats. These boats were returned so that the companies have a chance to continue their business activities legally. Two traders and their companies were sentenced by the court to conditional prison sentences of 10 months and community service of 180 hours, with a company fine of 80,000 euros. The same community service sentences were imposed on a trader and five shellfish gatherers. The trader also received a fine of 78,000 euros. His company was fined 82,000 euros. A trader in Urk received a community service sentence of 150 hours.
New investigations not excluded
Several cases involving seized boats are still before the court. A case against another trader is currently being assessed by the Public Prosecution Service. New criminal investigations are not excluded based on the available information.
The effort is necessary to protect the marine ecosystem and biodiversity, as well as people who depend on legal fishing. By catching and trading illegal and often too young fish, the sea is being overfished at such a high rate that in the long term no fish will remain. The North Sea ecosystem is already under heavy pressure. Illegal fishing and the catch of undersized and too young fish exacerbate this.