Revenue at Dutch fish auctions hits record low

Higher landings do not automatically generate more revenue. This is clearly reflected in figures from Dutch fish auctions. Several locations actually received more fish. Yet their combined revenue fell to a new record low. Developments in shrimp and haddock were particularly notable. While shrimp prices dropped sharply, haddock landings increased at an unprecedented rate.

Revenue falls at all auctions

The figures come from the Nationaal Overlegorgaan Visafslagen (NOVA). The major shrimp auction in Zoutkamp is not included. All Dutch fish auctions recorded a decline in revenue.

Combined revenue totaled €83 million in the first half-year. This was more than €93 million one year earlier. IJmuiden generated the highest revenue at €30.8 million. Urk ranked second with revenue of €27.5 million. Scheveningen recorded €7.5 million in revenue over six months.

Total landings amounted to 16.4 million kilograms. One year earlier, the figure was 16.5 million kilograms. Harlingen, IJmuiden, Urk and Den Oever recorded higher landings.

Shrimp prices fall sharply

The average shrimp price fell from €11.42 to €6.20. Last year, limited landings resulted in high prices. Catches were considerably higher during the past six months.

Despite the fleet reduction, shrimp landings rose by approximately 30%. This growth was particularly evident in Harlingen and Den Oever. Even so, shrimp generated €4 million less at NOVA auctions.

More larger fishing vessels remained in port during the spring. This was due to higher fuel prices. A compensation rate per liter of gas oil was announced last month.

Far more haddock landed in Urk

The increase in landings at Urk mainly came from haddock. Since June, unprecedented quantities of haddock have been caught and landed. Landings totaled 1,752 metric tons during the first half-year.

Visveiling Urk auctioned 858 metric tons of haddock throughout 2025. By July 28, the total had already reached 3,495 metric tons.

Visserijnieuws.nl