Reporting fishing vessels and fishing tackle

In the Netherlands, when you put a fishing vessel into commercial service, you must register the boat with the Dutch Register of Fishing Vessels (NRV). If your vessel is removed from the register, for instance, because it changes owners or because you remove it from service, you must report this to the Ministry of Economic Affairs, Agriculture and Innovation (EL&I).

Reporting new construction, renovation or acceptance of fishing vessels

You are required to report the new construction, renovation or acceptance (sailing a foreign vessel under the Dutch flag) of a fishing vessel to the Human Environment and Transport Inspectorate (Inspectie Leefomgeving en Transport, ILT). When making this report, you apply simultaneously for the certificates and declarations you require. These depend on the length of your ship, the tonnage and the areas in which you sail.

Tackle registration for sea fishing

If your fishing boat is 10 metres in length or more and you fish at sea with certain types of fishing tackle, you fall under the recovery plan for some breeds of fish (Annex IIA). To be able to fish, you must make an annual report of the tackle you use. If you are a member of what is known as a Biesheuvelgroep, you can submit the tackle registration via this group.

Using large fishing tackle on inland waterways

If you wish to fish using large fishing tackles in Dutch inland waterways, you must meet a number of different conditions. You must achieve a minimum income of € 8,500 from fishing and you must have fishing rights with regard to at least 250 hectares. In addition, you must register with the Ministry of Economic Affairs, Agriculture and Innovation with an auditor's report (assurance report) that shows that you meet the conditions. You must also have a fishing licence. For more information please contact the DR Help desk of the Ministry of Economic Affairs, Agriculture and Innovation.