The end of the Dutch trawler fishing industry is in sight now a large part of the Dutch fleet has signed up for the government’s buy-out ruling, according to NOS.

In total, about 40 of the 120 trawlers which fish for plaice and sole in the North Sea will be left and that will have a knock-on impact on the rest of the industry, the broadcaster said.

For example, the fish auction in Den Helder is now closing its doors and trawlers will now have to head for Den Oever and IJmuiden to unload their catches, NOS said.

The development of offshore wind farms, Brexit and now high fuel prices have all had an impact on the fishing industry, the paper said.

The decision by the EU not to allow pulse fishing – using an electrical charge to catch fish – was also a major blow.

The government has set aside €155 million to buy out the trawlers, with the amount per ship varying in line with size and quota. Those who decide to get out are banned from investing in the fishing industry for a further five years.