Fish Guide Color Codes Updated

In the ever-evolving world of sustainable fishing, a significant shift has recently been observed in the Netherlands. This change is reflected in the latest updates to the Viswijzer, a tool that assesses the sustainability of various fish species. For many Dutch fishermen, this represents a stride towards progress and change.

Shift in Color Codes

The Viswijzer has revised its color codes for several key target species of Dutch flyshoot fishing. Species like mullet, red gurnard, cuttlefish, and squid have moved from the 'red' to the 'orange' category. This change is the culmination of a collaborative effort between the fishing company Cornelis Vrolijk, Wageningen Marine Research, and the Good Fish organization. The aim of this project was to enhance knowledge about these fish species and to make the classification in the Viswijzer more accurate.

Flyshoot fishing plays a vital role in the Dutch fishery sector. The supply of typical flyshoot species is crucial for trade and hospitality industries. Previously, there was limited scientific data on these species, leading to a 'red' rating in the Viswijzer. However, the recent project has provided new insights.

Viswijzer’s Criteria

Good Fish employs a comprehensive checklist to determine the Viswijzer’s ratings. This checklist includes the condition of the fish stock, fishery management, and the impact on the ecosystem. The fresh data from the flyshoot project has led to species like red mullet, squid, and sea bass being categorized as 'orange'.

Interestingly, flyshoot fishing has a low CO2 emission and seldom catches protected or endangered species. These factors have contributed to the improved ratings in the Viswijzer.

Impact on the Dutch Fleet

Although the data primarily came from Cornelis Vrolijk, Good Fish has concluded that the new ratings apply to the entire Dutch flyshoot fleet. This development is encouraging for the entire sector and highlights the importance of ongoing collaboration and data collection for sustainable fishing practices.

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