Anne-Sophie Dehaene, Agency for Agriculture and Sea Fisheries
“To secure a future at sea for our Flemish fishers, we must all help protect the diverse fish species that inhabit our seas. Fisheries inspectors from the Agency for Agriculture and Sea Fisheries verify whether Belgian and foreign fishing vessels hold the necessary licences and authorisations, whether they fish in accordance with the regulations, whether they correctly record their catches, and whether they comply with the landing obligation. Strict measures are in place to protect fish stocks from overfishing. In doing so, we work closely with our international counterparts and the EFCA, as well as with the various Coast Guard partners. Together, we contribute to a safe and sustainably managed North Sea.”
Role within the Coast Guard
The Agency for Agriculture and Sea Fisheries of the Flemish Government works towards a sustainable future for Flemish sea fisheries. Healthy seas and robust fish stocks are essential to achieving this goal. Therefore, the agency strives to maintain a sound balance between economic activity and ecological sustainability.
Monitoring and Control at Sea
The agency’s fisheries inspectors ensure compliance with fisheries regulations. They verify, among other things:
- whether fishing vessels hold valid licences and authorisations;
- whether fishing activities are carried out in accordance with applicable European and Flemish regulations;
- whether quotas, closed areas, seasonal measures and technical requirements are respected.
These inspections are crucial to preventing overfishing and safeguarding the future of the sector.
In addition to commercial fisheries, we also monitor recreational fisheries. Recreational fishing has an increasing impact on fish stocks. For this reason, the European Union is placing greater emphasis on enforcing the rules governing recreational fishing.
Cooperation with a Wide Range of Partners
To carry out monitoring and enforcement activities, the agency works closely with a wide range of partners, including Coast Guard partners as well as other European and third countries. It also maintains close cooperation and consultation with European policymakers.
Policy and Management
The Agency for Agriculture and Sea Fisheries translates European fisheries policy into the Flemish context. Its key responsibilities include:
- supporting the Minister for Sea Fisheries;
- allocating and monitoring quotas (total allowable catches per species and region);
- managing multiannual plans;
- implementing temporary additional measures at Flemish level;
- executing the Sustainable Fisheries Covenant.
The agency is also responsible for:
- issuing fishing licences and authorisations;
- managing the European Maritime, Fisheries and Aquaculture Fund (EMFAF);
- collecting, analysing and publishing sector data;
- supporting the Flemish sea fisheries and aquaculture sectors with up-to-date statistics, reports and policy information;
- keeping the rules and conditions for recreational fishing up to date.
Mission
The agency works towards a resilient, innovative and sustainable fisheries sector in which fishers can achieve economic growth through smart and sustainable management of fish stocks.