Belgian Coast Sees Over 80 Sharks Wash Ashore; Fishing Industry Denies Responsibility

More than 80 smooth-hound sharks have washed ashore along the Belgian coast over the last four days, prompting concern and an investigation into the cause. While some experts suggest that fishermen may have accidentally caught and then discarded the sharks, the Belgian Fisheries Producers Organisation (BFPO) has strongly refuted this claim.

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I know one thing for sure. The catch of spotted smooth-hound sharks, even as unwanted bycatch, rarely or never occurs on Belgian fishing vessels.

Emiel Brouckaert of the BFPO stated, "I know one thing for sure. The catch of spotted smooth-hound sharks, even as unwanted bycatch, rarely or never occurs on Belgian fishing vessels." He emphasized that Belgian fishermen do not employ fishing techniques that would easily capture this species. Furthermore, Brouckaert noted that, to his knowledge, no Belgian vessels were actively fishing in the area around the time the sharks washed ashore, asserting that "the sharks are not the responsibility of the fishermen affiliated with Belgian fishing."

The Institute for Agricultural, Fisheries, and Food Research (ILVO) suspects that the sharks were inadvertently caught by fishermen and then released, leading to their deaths. However, the BFPO is adamant that if fishermen are involved, it is not Belgian ones. Brouckaert expressed hope that scientific research will identify the cause and determine if non-Belgian professional fishermen are responsible.

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The sharks are not the responsibility of the fishermen affiliated with Belgian fishing.

One hypothesis being explored is the formation of a new nursery area for spotted smooth-hound sharks, particularly adult females with unborn young, off the West Coast. A similar nursery area is already recognized in the Netherlands. Brouckaert acknowledged that such areas can be closed, but this process is not swift. "It's not that if there is scientific evidence of a nursery area, the zone will automatically be closed," he explained. "It is the national authorities that must decide on this. If there is a plan for such interventions now, the zone will not be closed quickly." He added that the experience of fishermen themselves often leads them to voluntarily avoid such areas when conditions are observed.

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It's not that if there is scientific evidence of a nursery area, the zone will automatically be closed. It is the national authorities that must decide on this.