Passive fishing in nature restoration areas for coastal and inland fisheries
As protected marine areas expand and exclude bottom-trawling, this project tests whether passive fishing methods (fyke nets, gill nets) can coexist with nature restoration. Research takes place at the Veerse Meer (Netherlands), monitoring catch composition and yields across a native oyster reef, a Japanese oyster reference site, and a bare substrate control. Results will map when passive fishing remains commercially viable without hindering habitat recovery. The consortium runs 2026–2028, funded by EMFAF with a €643,819.50 budget. RBINS contributes food web analysis, building on prior North Sea research.
- EMFAF (European Maritime, Fisheries and Aquaculture Fund) / RVO Netherlands
- 2026-2028
- Third-party expert partner (food web analysis)
- Brecht Stechele
Project partners: RBINS, Palinghandel Van de Kreeke, Oyster Heaven, HZ University of Applied Sciences