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FOOD SECURITY

Fisheries: Aquaculture & Fish Processing

The fishing industry is a small and very healthy sector of the Dutch economy. The principal activities within the production chain are fishing and farming (aquaculture), processing and (international) trade in fish. The Dutch fleet is one of the most modern fishing fleets in the world. The main types of marine fisheries are pelagic trawling (herring, mackerel, blue whiting) and bottom trawling (dover sole, plaice, codfish and brown shrimp). What’s more, a small fleet is involved in coastal fisheries with a variety of fixed gear types. Fresh water fisheries are of limited economic importance in the Netherlands. The aquaculture sector includes the shellfish industry (mussels and oysters in estuarine waters) and fish farmers (mainly eel and catfish). The latter use closed systems with water recirculation. The Netherlands is an international hub for fish trading. The trade volume greatly surpasses the volume of landed fish catch and aquaculture production. Most fish processed in and/or traded via the Netherlands finds its way to markets in the EU and abroad. Whereas the processing industry is of enormous importance, the work itself actually is outsourced to low wage countries. Dutch fish traders are very keen on finding new production sources. Hence the country has great potential for applicants seeking contacts for the export of their products. Dutch fish processors are leading the European sector in terms of technology, efficiency, hygiene and food quality. Principal activities of the industry include: filleting, freezing, frying, marinating, smoking and packing.

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AREAS OF EXPERTISE

As Dutch fisheries focus on technological innovation, research and education are of great importance. Fishermen and operators in the processing industry are trained at specialised polytechnic schools, which also offer advanced courses to experienced operators and sailors. The University of Wageningen holds courses in fisheries management and aquaculture. Research is mainly focused on fish farming, water treatment, genetics and propagation, with a minor programme on the ecology of tropical lakes. Besides this general focus on technical innovation, PUM’s fishery & fish processing experts will be happy to assist you on the following segments in the sector:• Fisheries, commercial & traditional• Fish farming and hatchery• Fish food• Fish/seafood: catching, handling, storing, preservation• Fish/seafood: shellfish (catching/handling/storing/

preservation)• Fish/seafood: crustacean (catching/handling/storing/

preservation)• Fish products, seafood: ornamental, breeding• Fishing boat /fishing nets; operations, maintenance• Aquaculture products, seafood: Fish (breeding, feeding,

handling)• Aquaculture/seafood: crustacean (breeding/feeding/

handling)• Aquaculture/seafood: shellfish/snails (breeding/feeding/

handling)• Aquaculture/seafood: seaweed/algae/kelp (breeding/ feeding/

handling• By-products (pearls, skins etc.) production/marketing• Storage, cooling and drying facilities, packaging• Marketing, distribution, fish market and auction• Training, education• Fisheries/fish farm management• Fishing policies/environment/conservation

FISHERIES READY FOR EXPORT TO WESTERN EUROPEThe owner of seven fisheries wanted to improve production and qualify for internationally accepted standards. His main objective was to start exporting to Western Europe. The PUM- expert gave many useful pointers to the company in order to comply with European standards and facilitate the export process. The expert is still in regular contact with the company to assist with the implementation of the recommendations.

CUSTOMER EXAMPLES

BENEFITS FOR PORT AUTHORITY A ship supplier in the largest port in the country wanted to create new opportunities and avenues to become the best and largest supplier in the port. They were also specifically looking to establish contacts within the Dutch corporate sector. A highly driven PUM- expert with a very extensive international network visited the company. In addition to giving the company advice on how to optimise its management processes, he ensured that the company could make use of his network. The first contacts were established and the first agreements were signed during his visit. On his return to the Netherlands, the expert and the ship supplier continued to communicate. After having worked with the company for 18 months via e-mail, the expert returned for a second visit in order to monitor progress and strengthen ties even further.

BUSINESS TRANSFORMATION FOR COOPERATION A cooperative of approximately 400 members asked PUM to assist in transforming the cooperative into a stronger self-supporting business. While members were involved in a variety of activities, from trawling to oyster cultivation, the principal activity was the aquaculture production of spotted grouper. Following two visits of the expert in two years, the cooperative framed a business plan that was accepted by its membership council and received financing through the country’s national agricultural bank. As a consequence of implementation, the cooperative now collectively buys nets and other inputs and has set up a sales department that partially eliminated middlemen. Overall, economic viability increased significantly, with a stronger political position for the cooperative and better incomes for the participating families.

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