News report | 23-12-2025 | 15:30

The Dutch Food and Consumer Product Safety Authority (NVWA) detained three individuals on the night of Sunday, December 21 to Monday, December 22 for illegally catching more than 1100 kilos of carpet shells in Zeeland. The suspects were caught red-handed during a joint inspection by the NVWA, the Regional Implementation Service Zeeland (RUD), and Staatsbosbeheer (SBB).

Official reports have been drawn up against the suspects. A boat, various fishing equipment, and a van were seized. The value of the carpet shells found amounts to more than 20ac 22,000. The shells were returned to the sea.

Joint action

Several days before the inspection, the NVWA observed activities indicating possible illegal fishing on the Veerse Meer. As a result, a joint enforcement action was set up by the NVWA and various partners on the night of Sunday to Monday.

On the run

During the action, it was observed that several men were fishing a large quantity of carpet shells on the Veerse Meer. Once they were ashore and inspectors wanted to check them, the men tried to flee upon seeing the supervisors.

The police eventually managed to stop the suspects vehicle. A large quantity of carpet shells was found in the vehicle. One of the suspects tried to escape by swimming across the Veerse Meer but gave up in time and surrendered.

Serious damage to nature and ecosystem

Poaching, or fishing without a license, is harmful to the environment, nature, and people. Illegal fishing damages water areas, disrupts fish stocks, and reduces biodiversity in waters and ponds. In addition, poaching is detrimental to both commercial and recreational fishing.

Carpet shells play an important role in the ecosystem: they filter seawater, contribute to a healthy seabed, and form an essential link in the food chain. Illegal fishing makes these vulnerable populations extra sensitive to overexploitation and can lead to lasting damage to nature and water quality.

Illegal fishing also poses a risk to food safety because there is no control and the origin of poached fish and shellfish is unknown. Therefore, the NVWA, together with other enforcement organizations, takes strict action against poaching.

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