The Visserij Verduurzaamt Support project aims to improve the sustainability of the Belgian fishery fleet by providing individualized, science-based improvement plans to vessel owners. (VISSERIJ VERDUURZAAMT - SUPPORT)

The "Visserij Verduurzaamt Support" project aims to improve the sustainability of the Belgian fishery fleet by providing individualized, science-based improvement plans to vessel owners.  This improvement plan is based on the results of the indicators that make up the VALDUVIS-system. Vessel owners receive personal guidance based on these results to improve their score. These individual guided improvement plans are shaped according to general trends in the entire fleet. Additionally, the indicators on which the system are based will be improved.

The VALDUVIS system is the indicator-based system on which the improvement plan of the Belgian fishery fleet is based. The information from this system is used to provide (i) individualized improvement plans to each Belgian fishing vessel that is in the program and (ii) provide insights to prepare the next 3-year transition period (new indicator thresholds, adjustments in indicators and evaluations of the scoring trends within the Belgian fishery fleet).

The "Visserij Verduurzaamt" project is based on close cooperation with the Rederscentrale (Boat Owners' Organization) and ILVO, and with the fishery sector. At this point in time, 52 vessel owners have engaged in the collective improvement plan of the Belgian fishery fleet to improve their score in three years’ time (higher than 60). Additionally, the sister project ("Visserij Verduurzaamt Market") aims to communicate these sustainability efforts by launching the market recognition "Visserij Verduurzaamt".