This article was featured in Eurofish Magazine 3 2025.
Five Belgian fishing vessels were subjected to stringent and unexpected inspections by UK maritime authorities, prompting strong reactions from the fishing community and concern from the Flemish government. The inspections, which took place in British waters, involved forcing vessels to divert to UK ports, seizing black boxes, and detaining captains—actions described by Belgian fishers as disruptive and economically damaging. One of the vessels, the Z-26, was operating 37 nautical miles off the western coast of Great Britain in the Bristol Channel when it was intercepted. According to Captain Clancy Snauwaert, authorities provided no clear reason for the operation, merely stating the need for “a more thorough examination.” The vessel was then ordered to the port of Newlyn in southwest England, where its black box was confiscated. This forced the crew to abandon operations and return to Zeebrugge, resulting in an estimated economic loss of €40,000.
Flemish Minister for Fisheries, Hilde Crevits, met with affected crews in Zeebrugge. She condemned the actions as “unprecedented and aggressive”, voicing her deep concern and pledging to raise the issue with both the UK government and the European Commission. While inspections at sea are not uncommon, they are typically conducted with minimal disruption. The unusual severity of these controls has sparked questions, especially given ongoing EU–UK negotiations on fishing quotas. Minister Crevits refrained from speculating on the motives behind the UK’s actions but emphasised the need for clarity and diplomatic engagement to protect the interests of Belgian fishers operating legally in shared waters.