NWP (Niels) Brevé

I’m driven by a deep passion for nature—often found strolling along waterfronts or 'diving ' into literature about fish and fisheries. On 27 November 2025, I successfully defended my PhD at WIAS, presenting an in-depth study on the habitat suitability of the River Rhine and the North Sea for the potential reintroduction of the critically endangered European sturgeon (Acipenser sturio)—a majestic fish that can grow up to 5 meters long and weigh over 300 kilograms.

I lead the Fish & Water – Knowledge and Research group at Sportvisserij Nederland, and I hold a part-time research position at Wageningen University & Research (WUR) at both the Aquaculture and Fisheries (AFI) and Marine Animal Ecology (MAE) groups. My research spans a wide range of themes within these groups. Notable projects include Sharkatag, which explores the life cycles of sharks and rays in the North Sea, and studies on the migration patterns of migratory fish.

I’m also actively involved in several international working groups, including the International Commission for the Protection of the Rhine (ICPR) and the European Tracking Network (ETN).