Electric pulse fishing is hotly contested by environmentalists and fishermen in Belgium and France, who see it as unfair competition.
The technique, used mainly to catch species such as sole and plaice, forces fish up from the marine depths, after which they are easily netted. However, it injures the fish and damages the seabed, its detractors say. Flemish and French fishermen also complain that the fish catch is now smaller in their waters.
Electric pulse fishing was banned up to 2006, when the European Commission agreed to grant exemptions, due to gaps in the regulations. The exemptions have benefitted Dutch fishermen in particular.
Belgian Euro-parliamentarian Frédérique Ries (MR, ADLE), who is involved in the matter, welcomed the future ban, even if takes effect later than had been hoped. On the other hand, Tom Vandenkendelaere (CD&V, PPE) described it it as too little, too late.
Christophe Vincent
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