Food from the sea: sustainable, innovative and in balance with nature
Demand for food from the sea is growing. At the same time, our seas are under pressure worldwide. WUR explores how to use fish, shellfish and seaweed sustainably within ecological limits. For government agencies and businesses working on future-proof food systems at sea.
Seas and coastal waters are indispensable for our food supply. Fish, shellfish and seaweed play an important role in the protein transition. At the same time, their ecosystems are under pressure from climate change, pollution, biodiversity loss and increasing space claims. WUR develops knowledge and solutions for sustainable food management from the sea, within ecological limits and considering social and economic carrying capacity.
We combine ecological expertise with technology, policy and practice-based research. We work in the North Sea, the Caribbean, tropical regions and the polar regions, together with international government agencies, public bodies, fishermen, aquaculture companies and NGOs. We identify trends and risks with field measurements, models and monitoring, and translate them into policy advice and management strategies.
We make the connection between ecology, economics and policy. We use long-term data and broad networks to reduce the impact of food production at sea and seize the opportunities. In this way, we contribute to resilient food systems from the sea: fair, innovative and in balance with nature.
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Food from the sea encompasses more than traditional fishing. We explore nature-inclusive forms of aquaculture, such as sustainable cultivation of mussels, oysters and seaweed. We develop innovative techniques such as acoustic fish monitoring, by-catch reduction, eDNA and AI for species recognition and behavioural analysis.
Our ecosystem models help estimate the carrying capacity of marine areas, and support decision-making on spatial integration and ecological effects. We work on the coexistence of food production with other functions at sea, such as wind farms, nature reserves or cable routes. Our analyses help make choices that are both ecologically sound and economically viable. For example, fishing in offshore wind farms, seaweed farming in Natura 2000 areas or recovery measures in case of overexploitation.
We also contribute to future scenarios and transition paths towards a sustainable protein supply. We advise on catch limits, management plans, certification and chain sustainability. Together with partners, we develop guidelines for nature-inclusive food production, tools for policy makers and dialogue processes with interested parties.
Discover our expertises
Expertises
Shellfish and seaweed
Seaweed and shellfish can contribute to a sustainable food supply. WUR monitors species to study their ecology. We seek opportunities for nature-inclusive farming and fishery. We make our knowledge available to policy makers, management and chain parties who want to use food from the sea in balance with the natural ecosystems.
Fishing industry in transition
The North Sea fishing industry is changing rapidly due to spatial claims, regulations and climate. WUR develops knowledge with and for the industry on selectivity, by-catch reduction, seabed disturbance and fuel consumption, so that the fishing industry can adapt and remain future-proof.
Sand mining and sand replenishment
After water, sand is the world's most widely used natural resource. WUR studies sand mining and sand replenishment: depositing sand along coasts and beaches. We make our knowledge available to dredgers, the fishing industry, nature organisations and government agencies and public bodies to optimally combine coastal safety with fishery and nature in the North Sea.
Offshore wind farms
WUR studies the impact of offshore wind farms and develops knowledge for a North Sea in which the combination of energy and food supply from the sea is optimally in balance with nature. We provide government and industry with scientifically-based advice to contribute to a healthy and future-proof North Sea.
North Sea in transition
The North Sea is changing fast. It is one of the busiest seas in the world with fishery, shipping and energy generation, while also being an important nature reserve. WUR studies how energy and food production remain in balance with nature in this unique ecosystem.
Eels
The European eel is critically endangered. Together with fishermen and water managers, among others, WUR studies ecology, breeding and health using innovative research methods. Our advice is applied in national and international management plans.
Shellfish and seaweed
Seaweed and shellfish can contribute to a sustainable food supply. WUR monitors species to study their ecology. We seek opportunities for nature-inclusive farming and fishery. We make our knowledge available to policy makers, management and chain parties who want to use food from the sea in balance with the natural ecosystems.
Fishing industry in transition
The North Sea fishing industry is changing rapidly due to spatial claims, regulations and climate. WUR develops knowledge with and for the industry on selectivity, by-catch reduction, seabed disturbance and fuel consumption, so that the fishing industry can adapt and remain future-proof.
Sand mining and sand replenishment
After water, sand is the world's most widely used natural resource. WUR studies sand mining and sand replenishment: depositing sand along coasts and beaches. We make our knowledge available to dredgers, the fishing industry, nature organisations and government agencies and public bodies to optimally combine coastal safety with fishery and nature in the North Sea.
Offshore wind farms
WUR studies the impact of offshore wind farms and develops knowledge for a North Sea in which the combination of energy and food supply from the sea is optimally in balance with nature. We provide government and industry with scientifically-based advice to contribute to a healthy and future-proof North Sea.
North Sea in transition
The North Sea is changing fast. It is one of the busiest seas in the world with fishery, shipping and energy generation, while also being an important nature reserve. WUR studies how energy and food production remain in balance with nature in this unique ecosystem.
Eels
The European eel is critically endangered. Together with fishermen and water managers, among others, WUR studies ecology, breeding and health using innovative research methods. Our advice is applied in national and international management plans.
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Why partner with WUR
We offer:
- Impactful science & technological leadership
- Integrated & strategic advice
- Multidisciplinary & transdisciplinary research
- Unique data & strong networks
- Leading food research at sea
Contact us
Are you involved in fisheries, aquaculture, policy or sustainable food production at sea? Contact our expert for collaboration, advice or more information.
dr.ir. NA (Nathalie) Steins
Project Manager Fisheries Development
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