The quantity of fish landed by Belgian vessels and sold in the country’s ports decreased in 2024 for the second consecutive year, as reported by Statbel, the Belgian statistical office, on Thursday.
Last year, 11,423 tonnes of fish were sold in Belgian ports, down from 12,302 tonnes in 2023. This marks a 7.1% decrease in volume, with a corresponding revenue drop to €69.02 million, an 8% decline from €75.03 million in 2023.
Zeebrugge accounted for the largest market share with 55.2% of all fish sold, followed by Ostend at 43.3% and Nieuwpoort at 1.5%.
In addition to fish sold in Belgian ports, some of the catch from Belgian vessels is sold in foreign ports. Last year, 3,134 tonnes of fish were sold abroad.
These foreign ports represent 22% of the total quantity landed by the Belgian fishing fleet, generating a revenue of €14.77 million. The Netherlands benefitted the most with 12.8%, followed by Danish ports at 6.3%, Spanish ports at 2.6%, and French ports at 0.3%.
The total catch of the Belgian fleet, including fish sold abroad, was 14,557 tonnes in 2024. This represents a 7.3% decline compared to 2023. The total value of fish caught by the Belgian fleet was nearly €84 million, down from nearly €90 million in 2023.
Sole remained the most important fish species in Belgian ports, followed by cuttlefish, monkfish, plaice, and ray.
After a low in 2023, the quantity of shrimp landed increased by 61.5% in 2024, reaching 314.7 tonnes and generating a revenue of €2.3 million.
