Dutch fisheries are becoming more sustainable

Approximately 80% of the Dutch fishery participates in the MSC program for sustainable fishing. And once recognized by the MSC label, fisheries continue to work towards further sustainability. This is shown in the report "Stand in the Water 2020" in which an analysis is made of all 125 assessments and controls that have been carried out over the past 15 years to check whether fisheries are allowed to carry the MSC ecolabel. 

In 2006, the first Dutch fishery was measured against the MSC standard for sustainable fishing. This North Sea herring fishery has since been certified, and fisheries for 19 other species of fish followed suit. Today, some 80% of the Dutch fishery participates in the program, measured both in number of vessels and volume of fish landed in 2019. Participating fisheries are inspected annually, and more often if necessary. A comprehensive reassessment takes place every 5 years.

Analysis of fishery assessments also shows that the MSC program is an incentive for continuous improvement. Fisheries can be certified under certain conditions, with improvement tasks for the coming years. These include, for example, adapting nets to reduce bycatch, or protecting vulnerable underwater nature. Of the 109 conditions set so far, about half have been met: the other half of the improvement tasks are still being worked on. These must be completed within agreed timelines or the fishery risks suspension or termination of the certificate.

The third important conclusion from the analysis is the high level of stakeholder involvement. Scientists or conservation organizations have contributed to almost all assessments; both groups have contributed to over half of these audits. This ensures that the latest scientific insights on fisheries and nature conservation are included in the assessment of fisheries.

Minister Schouten of Agriculture, Nature and Food Quality (LNV): "It's good news that Dutch fisheries are becoming more sustainable. The MSC organisation - together with fishermen and interest groups - has made an important contribution to this. Further sustainability of fishery remains important, also for the future. This requires not only commitment to policy, but also to initiatives such as the MSC label."

Click here for the report ‘Stand in het Water 2020’(Dutch only)
msc.org