This article was featured in Eurofish Magazine 5 2025.
The Catch Welfare Platform has announced its third annual conference, a free, in-person event from 19 to 21 November 2025 at Forteiland in the Dutch port of IJmuiden, site of the world’s largest lock.
Set against the backdrop of a working fishing port, the location is symbolic of the focus of this year’s Catch Welfare Platform (CWP) conference: improving welfare for wild-caught fish in real-world settings. The three-day event will assemble global experts from science, the fishing industry, technology, and policy to exchange knowledge, debate standards, and showcase technical solutions. Delegates can expect keynote sessions, field visits, and two new competitive formats aimed at encouraging practical innovation.
CWP was founded in 2023 by Wageningen Research, the Institute of Marine Research Norway, Nofima, and Michelle Boonstra, who manages the platform. It brings together the seafood industry, research institutions, retailers, and other stakeholders to create pragmatic, science-based solutions that improve the welfare of the catch, including post-capture stunning and slaughter. Today it boasts 233 members from 25 countries across six continents. Speaking about the upcoming event, Michelle Boonstra said that the first conference in Bergen, Norway, in 2023 successfully brought together people from across marine science and the fishing industry. While last year’s online format enabled global -participation, in-person meetings offer far greater scope for meaningful collaboration and direct engagement. They encourage stronger audience participation, she added, and we look forward to hearing well-reasoned contributions from all involved.
AI’s role in fish welfare
The conference begins with a boat ride to Forteiland on 19 November. The day opens with the Innovation Award -ceremony, followed by pitches from the three finalists in the Advancing Catch Welfare Idea Competition. Sessions on Day 1 will cover gillnet fishing, cod welfare, flatfish stunning, ropeless gear, and updates on the innovative FloMo fishing system. The afternoon is themed “What can AI do for fish welfare?”, and features demonstrations and a panel discussion with audience participation.
Day 2 kicks off with a presentation from Professor Wenbin Zhu of Zhejiang Ocean University about fish welfare -research in Chinese fisheries. This will be followed by a dive into the world of criteria, indicators and welfare footprints. Attendees are also invited to join the CWP team on a field visit to a demersal fishing vessel which is experimenting with the first flatfish stunner. The field trip includes what promises to be an insightful visit to a local fishing company. A working lunch hosted by the EU-funded VeriFish project will explore how structured welfare and sustainability indicators could shape seafood communication. VeriFish is offering travel reimbursement for producers, retailers, and seafood associations attending the lunch and feedback session.
Industry workshop focused on crustaceans
Day 3, Crustacean Day, begins with a series of presentations that will -provide the latest scientific developments in the welfare of crab and lobster. Afternoon sessions will address practical handling and the development of new universal best-practice standards. The goal is to better connect science with industry needs. Crustacean Day is an invitation only event. Those working with crab and lobster are encouraged to attend and contribute to the workshop. Anyone who has not been invited can attend by sending an email to: michelle@catchwelfareplatform.com. CWP invites people to submit innovations or early-stage ideas that advance wild-caught fish welfare.
Entries for the Catch Welfare Innovation Award must demonstrate measurable impact over the past three years and will be judged on originality, welfare outcomes, and benefits to the fishing community. Winners will receive professional recognition, worldwide media coverage, a keynote speaking slot, and a handmade award trophy. The submission deadline is 26 -September 2025 with results announced on 17 October 2025.
Catch welfare idea challenge
CWP is also seeking proposals for its catch welfare idea challenge, open to -anybody with promising concepts that require support to develop. The top three entries will be pitched live at the conference. The winner, chosen by audience vote, will receive €4,000 in seed funding and will also have the opportunity to be introduced to potential funders. The deadline for idea submissions is 26 September 2025. The three chosen entries will be announced on 17 October 2025. Full details and application forms for the innovation award and idea challenge are available on the CWP website.
The conference contributes to the organisation’s objectives of giving the fishing industry a voice in the conversation, sharing knowledge and creating practical, profitable solutions regarding fish and seafood welfare. More information and a link to register are available at catchwelfareplatform.com
