I worked at the Good Fish Foundation during the Covid Pandemic. The Good Fish foundation is a non-profit organization with a mission to improve sustainability of the seafood industry. The major tool Good Fish employs is the ‘VISWIJZER’, a comprehensive list of fish (and other seafood) that have been thoroughly assessed for sustainability based on the latest scientifically obtained information. This list is used to inform both consumers and industry with up-to-date information that is, since Good Fish does not have a stake in the market, completely independent. On top of actively campaigning to bring attention to the VISWIJZER, Good Fish partners with industry to actively indentify alternatives for parties that currently rely on the unsustainable fish trade for their livelihoods.

My role in this organization was varied but included research on fish-related topics, which could be very diverse, ranging from viability of novel sources of fish oil to the current state of a population of a specific species. For this work I had to be in contact with a variety of players, ranging from fishermen to CEOs of companies. I also contributed to the online presence (website & social media), facilitating discussions, and attending events to spread the Good Fish message. My work at Good Fish has taught me a lot about the distinct perspectives associated with different players in a product chain and what it takes to affect a market. It has made me more well-rounded as a researcher, as it has given me a more applied perspective of the usage and utility and scientifically generated information. I has also fortified my intuitions that primary scientific research best fits my personal interests and competences.

Find out more about the Good Fish foundation here!