How the Dutch Fishing Sector Is Reinventing Itself

At this year’s Europort, the Dutch fishing sector showed that its transformation is well underway. With millions in public investment, strong collaboration between government and industry, and a growing international orientation, the sector is shifting gears: from networking to real innovation on the water.

In recent years, the Dutch government has invested heavily in the fishing industry—€80 million through the Energy Fisheries Scheme alone, along with several innovation grants each year. At the center of this momentum stands the Visserij Innovatie Netwerk (VIN), the Fisheries Innovation Network.

VIN has not only distributed funding but also fostered something equally valuable: trust and communication. "For the first time, fishermen and government officials are hearing the same story, in the same room,” said VIN representative Arie Mol. "They exchange numbers, call each other, and work together. That’s a big win.”

From Talking to Doing

VIN’s next phase focuses on concrete action and localized engagement. Instead of large-scale conferences, the network will organize smaller, theme-based sessions directly in fishing communities and industry facilities.

The goal: to make VIN self-sustaining by 2030, driven by participants rather than government bodies such as RVO or LNV. "Fishermen and companies need to take the helm,” Mol emphasized. "We’ll still be here, but they must lead.”

Funding will also be directed more strategically, toward practical innovation, like hiring flow tanks for testing fishing gear designs. "Let’s spend money where it really moves things forward,” MOL stated.

A Vision for the Future: The Emission-Free Trawler

VIN’s long-term dream is a sustainable, high-tech fishing fleet. Imagine an emission-free trawler pulling a "sunwing” with no seabed contact, equipped with real-time controls, underwater cameras, and automatic fish recognition. Fish would be guided gently into onboard tanks without stress. "It’s a vision that could change how the world sees fishing,” said Mol. "Tell me then; what’s wrong with the fishery?”

Cross-Pollination with the Maritime Sector

Klaas Visser, director of the Maritime Knowledge Centre and a board member of VIN, underscored the importance of linking the fishing industry to the wider maritime world. "The innovative spirit in the Netherlands is second to none,” he said. "But we must connect the dots between fisheries, shipbuilding, offshore, and defense.”

Visser highlighted the synergies between fisheries and defense technologies, particularly in underwater and seabed mapping. "The tools used to understand the ocean floor are the same as those needed to protect it,” he noted, urging collaboration between the fishing industry, naval forces, and marine research institutions.

Shared Horizons

Visser closed with a message that resonated across the hall: "Let’s share every maritime innovation we have. Let’s make each other stronger: for the profitability of our fishing industry, our maritime sector, and our international standing. Autonomy and digital systems will define our future at sea.”