Much still remains unclear about the Brussels ban on trawler fishing using electricity, which is set to hit the Dutch fleet hard, fisheries minister Carola Schouten told MPs on Tuesday.

Initial reports said 42 Dutch trawlers would be able to continue to use the pulse fishing technique until 2021 and the rest would have to stop this year. However, the minister now says she is ‘unable to give any clarity to the fishermen’ because the final documentation is not yet available.

‘As soon as the European council and parliament have voted, and as soon as it it is clear what the final agreement looks like, I will brief the affected fishermen on what it means for their licences and what transition period they have,’ the minister said.

Dutch fishermen have invested millions of euros in specialized equipment since the ban on pulse fishing was lifted several years ago under a scheme to allow research into ‘innovative methods’. Some 40% of the Dutch fleet now uses the system.

Pulse fishing involves sending a current of electricity through sections of the sea bed, partially stunning sole and plaice and forcing some into the net.

Its supporters say pulse fishing is less destructive than beam trawling, which involves dragging a heavy metal bar across the sea bed. Opponents say it is a cruel and unnecessary method of fishing and is depleting fish stocks.