The fishing industry as it is now in the Netherlands is not sustainable unless… – Joop
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© cc photo: Rob Oo
The fishing industry is in shambles now that the high fuel prices are making sailing unprofitable. This year, the cutters will remain at the quay because they are less likely to do so and return home with a catch. The skippers who did cast the nets, complete with each other a big loss.
Many fishermen feel abandoned. Their options are limited by the catch limits imposed by the EU. They are hindered by wind farms. They have lost a lot of North Sea since Brexit because the British have exclusive rights there. To make matters worse, they also had to deal with problems related to nitrogen emissions.
And now the oil has become unaffordable.
The fishermen therefore feel a great ideological affinity with the rebellious farmers. They think their sector will be lost if the government does not immediately come up with major support measures. And if the warnet of rules in them remain as it is.
Subsidized fuel or other forms of support in the context of the energy crisis are no more than a stay of execution. It is ever possible to take the fuel prices of the previous decade. At the same time, skippers will be tackled on dirty engines. It is now only pleasure craft that is being developed with such measures. In the foreseeable future, freight shipping and fishing will have to rely on it as well. The fishing industry as it is currently conducted in the Netherlands is not sustainable.
men again just like the ancestors once again hoist the sails. If the fishing industry will become a business with taxpayers’ money in the coming years, then this should be: original to wind power.
How idiotic is this thought? This thought is anything but idiotic. In freight shipping, experiments are already underway with sailing ships. No longer those of a century ago but very modern designs that rather be futuristic than traditional. In Groningen, the company Econowind is experimenting with sails of forty meters high which significantly reduce the fuel costs of cargo ships. From Sweden comes the Oceanbird concept, which can transport 7000 cars, completely on sail. The first example of this ship type will come into service in 2024.
Besides, skyrocketing fuel prices mean that even the famous clippers can be exploited again. In Franeker one, the Tukker, is being refurbished to compete with motor ships. It is owned by an Ecoclipper Cooperative.
Why would sailing in the fishing industry not have a future with inspiring examples? If the government supports the fishermen, it should also have funds available to develop modern sailing ships together with construction, science and Dutch yards to replace the outdated motor cutters.
For the rest, I am of the opinion that the subsidy scandal should not disappear from public attention, and neither should the Groningen natural gas affair.
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