Collaboration, education and projects

We are committed to circular fish farming. In everything we do, we ask ourselves how we can restore and strengthen a healthy relationship between humans and the sea. Why? Because we see this as the solution to the growing demand for animal proteins.

In 2050, there will be over 9 billion mouths to feed. If we do that with beef, pork or chicken, it will require an enormous amount of resources. Fish is a much more effective source of protein, with much lower CO2 emissions and water consumption. But not all the fish can come from the sea. Think of overfishing and the 'plastic soup'.

That is why, in our opinion, the future lies in fish farming, but in a more sustainable way than is currently the case. Animal friendly, without waste products, without the use of medicines and in an ecological way. The Oceans at Work Foundation therefore works together with partners and sponsors to realise circular fish farming.

We contribute to a healthy future for humans, animals and the planet in the following ways:

Knowledge partner Blue Linked

Our knowledge partner, the Dutch company Blue Linked, has developed the concept of circular fish farming and tested it in practice with a pilot project. Together with this partner, the Oceans at Work Foundation wants to take the sustainable approach to fish farming further, because we see a healthy future for both humans and the planet in this concept.

Internships for students

Of course it is about getting the new generation on board with the circular way of thinking. It is especially about their future, and letting them understand and experience how our fish farming works. In the hatchery of our knowledge partner Blue Linked, we train students (MBO, HBO, WO). Once they have mastered the innovative breeding techniques, they can turn it into their work.

Students from various fields of study, such as coastal and marine management and (applied) biology, are enthusiastic about the opportunity to help shape this innovation. There are plenty of opportunities for both practical internships and literature studies, also at university level.

For example, work is being done on optimising the first steps in the cultivation process - the cultivation of microscopic algae and planktonic animals: food for the growing fish. Students also look into the cycle during cultivation to find out how waste products can be disposed of in a natural way.

Curious about what the students do and why? Read their own story here.

Project: Blauwe Polder 1

In the project Blauwe Polder 1 (2021-2023), Oceans at Work Foundation is helping to realise a 'Sea farm on land' on the Wadden Island of Texel (the Netherlands). First, we are developing a hatchery for fry (young fish) and an outgrowth facility where the fish can develop into adults. Circular fish breeding techniques will be applied and further refined here. Initially, the fish will be turbot and cod. The hatchery will be located in the breeding centre of our knowledge partner Blue Linked in Hazerswoude-dorp (the Netherlands). The growth facility will be on Texel.

Blauwe Polder 1 is a collaborative project between Oceans at Work Foundation, Salt Farm Foundation and Blauwe Polder Foundation. The project has been made possible by the Wadden Fund.

Project: The Wild North Sea

The Oceans at Work Foundation has a special collaboration with Dutch Maritime Productions (DMP). This Dutch film company will release a unique production in 2023: The Wild North Sea. The film will be shown in cinemas and as a TV series. It is an ode to the beauty of marine life along the Dutch coast - nature that cannot be tamed.

DMP's filmmakers are in contact with the Oceans at Work Foundation because not all footage can be shot underwater. When it comes to the smallest life forms - plankton and drifting larvae of fish, oysters, shrimps and more - separate film recordings have to be made. In the hatchery of our knowledge partner Blue Linked, we are working on making these images possible with a special set-up.

The collaboration of the Oceans at Work Foundation with DMP shows that we also want to reach a wider audience with our work. The Wild North Sea takes you below sea level, close to home. The beautiful images will put you under the spell of marine life and make you realise how important it is to protect it.

People like you

And then there are the consumers and nature lovers. People like you. Of course we can't do without you. Because we want to start a movement for sustainable fish and we really need you to help us do that.

That this is a time of change is proven by the innovations that appear every day. A new app for your phone, a handy gadget for your home, or something with artificial intelligence. But let's be really intelligent together. By investing in a sustainable food transition that both humans and the planet desperately need.

When you look back, and circular fish farming is a fact, how great would it be if you knew that you had contributed to it?

Are you in? Then click here.