How does it work in a nutshell?
Long V-shaped wooden structures (weirs) are driven into the seabed: two rows of stakes (vleuken) measuring 800–1000 meters long, ending in a point (trap/weir chamber).
At high tide, the anchovy swims into the shallow, warmer water in search of spawning grounds.
At low tide, the fish tries to return to deeper water; it is guided by the V and becomes trapped in the trap.
At low tide (usually wading on foot), the fishermen drive the fish into the trap with a drift net and catch them.
Characteristics
Very labor-intensive (manual, few machines).
Season: mainly May–July.
There used to be dozens of weirs, now only two or three (the Van Dort family is the last commercial fisherman).
Supported by the Weir Fisheries Preservation Foundation (tourist boat trips, education).
Unique in the Netherlands and a nearly extinct craft!
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