Few time-honoured foodstuffs retain their seasonal tradition these days, but the slipping down of raw young herring (maatjes) is one of those rituals that remains strictly tied to the whims of Mother Nature.
The season got off to a late start this year as the cold spring hampered the development of this year's newly-born fishes.
This was the first time in history that the fisheries failed to meet the official 31 May start.
By restraining themselves, the fishermen seem to have done themselves a favour, as the first lot to come ashore got the all round thumbs-up from the distinguished panel of culinary experts.
A batch of "Hollandse Nieuwe" went for a record breaking 75,000 euros at auction. The lot, caught by the Scheveningen 23 for shipping company Jaczon, was bought by a temp agency.
Fat fish make fat profit for good cause
Profit made by the sale of this first catch went to the Diabetes Fund, that in turn, is to carryout research into the positive effect oily fish consumption has on the blood disease.
The two week wait proved profitable as last year's first batch only raised 60,000 euros.
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