Fishery Wharf “Meerman” in Arnemuiden

Old historic sailing vessels need to be restored and kept sailing. But knowledge no longer is taught in the traditional educational institutes. At the same time an old fishery wharf was forced to close because of lack of orders. The owner of the wharf and local(retired) fishermen and other craftsmen deployed a plan to save wharf from closing by establishing a foundation for the preservation of old sailing vessels. By founding this institute also all the technical information ( drawings, moulds, tools, etc.) of the wharf could be saved. With a modest annual subsidy of the municipality the wharf can buy old historic vessels and save them from demolition. Every vessel is carefully restored on basis of old plans and photo’s. During the restauration the craftsmen teach the old crafts to young people by training on the job. The whole wharf, which originates from 1786, is still operational, which is exceptional in the Netherlands. One of the special elements of the wharf is that almost the complete rear façade can be removed in order to tug a large vessel in. The wharf is good example of maritime heritage that is community based. Stakeholders are :
1) Residents in the fishing community
2) Volunteers with interest in old crafts
3) Technical schools in Zeeland and persons with interest in old craftsmanship
4) Fishing (heritage) stakeholders ( present and old fishermen, fishing families)
5) Heritage providers
6) Local museum
7) Non-fishing heritage stakeholders