Pelagic Fishing Symposium Highlights Sustainability and Health Benefits of HerringPelagic Fishing Symposium Highlights Sustainability and Health Benefits of Herring At a captivating symposium held in the unique setting of a ship’s hold, the Pelagic Freezer Trawler Association (PFA) showcased the critical role of pelagic fishing in ensuring a sustainable food supply for the future. PFA Chairman Tim Heddema emphasized the low carbon footprint and responsible practices of pelagic fishing, stating that “pelagic shipping companies are true family businesses that help feed the world through science-based fishing.” He stressed the importance of recognizing the value of pelagic fish within the food supply. Interactive presentations from industry experts explored innovative fishing techniques and the health benefits of herring. Guus Pastoor, chairman of the Fish Federation, highlighted the popularity of herring in the Netherlands due to its low carbon footprint and nutritional value. Christien Absil from MSC Sustainable Oceans and Seafood Expert emphasized the long-standing sustainability credentials of North Sea herring, which has been MSC-certified since 2006. The symposium concluded with a tour of a freezer trawler, where the passionate crew demonstrated its operation. Guests discussed the upcoming “Largest Herring Festival in the Netherlands,” which celebrates the rich tradition and cultural significance of herring fishing in the Netherlands. The event highlighted the importance of pelagic fishing in providing sustainable and nutritious food, while also promoting the consumption of herring for its health benefits and low environmental impact.
PFA Chairman Tim Heddema gave a fascinating presentation from the unique setting of the ship’s hold, highlighting the crucial role of pelagic fishing in ensuring a sustainable and future-proof food supply. “Pelagic shipping companies are true family businesses that help feed the world through responsible, science-based fishing with one of the lowest carbon footprints of all forms of animal protein production. The large quantities of pelagic fish have much to offer to the international food supply, including in The Netherlands. It deserves an important place within our current vision on food,” says Heddema.
The symposium program consisted of interactive presentations that stimulated discussions on innovative fishing techniques, consumption trends and the health benefits of herring. Guus Pastoor, chairman of the Fish Federation, highlighted the popularity of herring in the Netherlands, noting its low carbon footprint and health benefits, which align with current consumer and retailer demands. “We must continue to promote this through information and the promotion of these types of fish products with EU funds,” Pastoor insisted.
Christien Absil, MSC Sustainable Oceans and Seafood Expert, highlighted the long-standing sustainability credentials of North Sea herring. “North Sea herring is one of the longest-standing MSC-certified fish species. Dutch herring fishermen were the first to receive MSC certification in 2006 and since then the stock has met the criteria of sustainable fish stocks, a healthy ecosystem and effective and responsible fisheries management,” Absil explained.
The event concluded with a tour of the SCH-81 ‘Carolien’, where the passionate crew demonstrated the operation of the freezer trawler. The guests also discussed the upcoming ‘Largest Herring Festival in the Netherlands’, traditionally held at the Dr. Lelykade in Scheveningen in collaboration with the Flag Day Foundation, in honor of the rich tradition and cultural significance of herring fishing in the Netherlands.
Herring as a sustainable and healthy food of the future
Source: press release
