In the past, the Scheldt was an important fishing area, but this changed due to the deterioration of the water quality. Today, the professional fishery is limited to a few dozen of professional fishermen and mainly to the capture of shrimp, sole, eel and cockles in the Western Scheldt. On the Sea Scheldt, barely any professional fishing takes place. Recreational fishery is limited by boat traffic and the current in the entire estuary.
Research and monitoring in Flanders and the Netherlands concerning fisheries mainly concerns the number of fish species and their population size. Additionally, ecotoxicological research and research in support of the fisheries are conducted.