This year’s herring season kicked off on Tuesday when the supermarket group Plus bought the first barrel of Hollandse Nieuwe for €90,000 at the annual charity auction.

The money will go to the Forgotten Child foundation, which helps children in care because they were neglected or on the run.

Last year, the first barrel raised €53,000 and the start of the season was delayed because the fish were not fat enough.

Supermarkets and fishmongers can begin selling the new season’s fish from Wednesday. Vlaggetjesdag, when the arrival of the new catch is celebrated at the seaside resort of Scheveningen, takes place on Saturday.