8.4.6 Fish products labelling Regulation

The regulation on the common organisation of the markets in fishery and aquaculture products (Fish Regulation)1 requires producers to collect information on fish, marketed in the Community, on its origin or catchment area and production method, i.e. caught or farmed or cultivated.2 According to the Fish Regulation a producer shall provide such information together with the scientific name of the species to consumers by means of the labelling or packaging of the product, or by means of a commercial document accompanying the goods. The increasing variety of supply, particularly of fresh and chilled fishery products, makes it essential to provide consumers with a minimum amount of information on the main characteristics of the fish products.3 Another reason for the disclosure of the information is the potential for consumer influence in creating a sustainable fishery market. The Dutch view on the European fishery policy is formulated in a report published by the Ministry of Agriculture, Nature and Food Quality.4 In this report it is stated that the government alone is not able to stimulate the necessary sustainability of the fishing industry.5 Since the market and consumers are powerful allies, it is wise to use their involvement to the advantage of the fishing sector. By providing consumers with information on the characteristics of the fish products, the consumer will have a larger role in the realisation of the goals of the fisheries policy, such as a sustainable fishery market.6