The Ekofish Group controls every link in the quality chain. It begins with the selection of fishing grounds and techniques. After that, the utmost care is devoted to processing and preserving the fish on the modern fleet, which meets the highest standards of hygiene and cooling.
Ekofish Group BV brings to the market the usual fish species from the North Sea — such as plaice, lemon sole, turbot, and brill — all from its own catch. In addition, there is cooperation with carefully selected fishery partners who supply “pulse” sole, MSC-certified cod, Skrei cod, and MSC redfish.
By staying close to the source, the fish is of excellent quality and sustainably caught. Ekofish Group BV aims to be your gateway for sustainably caught fish products.
Plaice
Scientific name
Pleuronectes platessa
Maximum length
100 cm
Maximum weight
7 kg
Age
Up to approx. 50 years
Diet
Crustaceans, shellfish, and worms
The plaice stock has grown enormously in recent years. In the 50 years that stock assessments have been carried out, there has never been as much plaice in the North Sea as there is now. Plaice is landed at the auctions from a length of 27 cm. Plaice smaller than 27 cm is undersized and may not be sold for human consumption. This is not sustainable! Ekofish Group therefore fishes with a larger mesh size, preventing the bycatch of small plaice.
Plaice is easy to recognize by the skin on the dark side of the fish, which features characteristic orange spots. Plaice is sold whole, cleaned, or as fillets. It is a delicate fish with soft flesh and a creamy flavor. Plaice can be prepared in many ways, such as fried, boiled, baked in the oven, and so on.
Lemon sole
Scientific name
Microstomus kitt
Maximum length
65 cm
Maximum weight
3 kg
Age
Up to approx. 20 years
Diet
Mainly molluscs and worms
The lemon sole prefers deep waters and hard substrates. These conditions are found in the northern part of the North Sea — which happens to be the fishing area of the Ekofish Group. There are no fisheries that target lemon sole as their main species. Lemon sole is mainly caught as bycatch in flatfish fisheries. Ekofish Group also catches beautifully large lemon sole (due to the larger mesh size) in its sustainable twin-rig fishery.
The taste of lemon sole is delicate, and the flesh is soft. It is often compared to Dover sole, which is likely where its name comes from. Lemon sole is sold both whole and as fillets.
Cod
Scientific name
Gadus morhua
Maximum length
150 cm
Maximum weight
40 kg
Age
Up to approx. 25 years
Diet
Mainly crustaceans, molluscs, and fish
Cod is highly valued as a consumption fish. During the day, cod swim in schools; at night, they spread out more as they search along the seabed for food. Virtually anything edible disappears into the stomach of a cod. Because cod do not particularly like warm water, the largest stocks are found in the far north and along the coast of Norway.
In the North Sea, the cod population is gradually recovering due to many protective measures. Ekofish Group catches very little cod because most specimens can escape through the escape panel in the net. However, for supplying its customers, Ekofish Group works with several Norwegian colleagues who provide MSC-certified cod. Ekofish Group operates close to the source. During the winter months, this cod is called Skrei.
Cod or Skrei is sold as fillets, loins, and whole (headless).
Dover sol
Scientific name
Solea solea
Maximum length
70 cm
Maximum weight
3 kg
Age
Up to approx. 25 years
Diet
Small crustaceans, molluscs, and worms
The Dover sole population in the North Sea is doing well. The stock increases year after year. Very little sole is caught with the twin-rig method. For this reason, Ekofish Group works closely with several ‘pulse fishers’ for sole. The pulse trawl was developed to catch sole with less seabed impact and less bycatch. In terms of sustainability, it is currently the best alternative.
Dover sole is a narrow, elongated flatfish. Its flesh is firm and neutral in flavor (not fishy), which makes it so popular. Sole can therefore be prepared in countless ways. It is mainly sold as a whole fish.
Turbot / Brill
Scientific name
Scophthalmus maximus/Scophthalmus rhombus
Maximum length
75 – 100 cm
Maximum weight
7 – 14 kg
Age
Up to approx. 25 years
Diet
Small crustaceans, mollusks, and worms.
Ekofish Group regularly catches turbot and brill itself. These are species that are highly regarded in culinary circles. Turbot and brill are mainly sold as whole fish.