Regulation and monitoring of marine aquaculture in The Netherlands

Marine aquaculture in The Netherlands consists of extensive culture of mussels (Mytilus edulis) and oysters (Crassostrea gigas and Ostrea edulis), predominantly carried out on the bottom on leased grounds. These grounds are located in the Wadden Sea and in the Dutch delta area. Quality of shellfish growing areas, and the handling and processing are carried out according to EU standards and controlled by the Dutch authorities. Stock assessment prior to the mussel spat collection in spring and autumn from wild stocks is carried out to estimate the availability of mussels for relaying but also in relation to feed requirements for protected bird populations. In years of scarcity, intertidal areas are closed to harvesting in addition to other, permanently closed areas. Oyster spat collection is carried out by seeding out mussel shells as spat collectors prior to spatfall. The management of shellfish stocks is regulated on the basis of overall fishery policy, laid down in a policy document since 1993, and carried out jointly by governmental institutions and producers' organizations.