Our impact – celebrating 40 years of North Atlantic Fishing Company

December 2024

North Atlantic Fishing Company (NAFCO) has been a cornerstone of sustainable fishing in the UK since its founding in 1984. Now celebrating 40 years of operations, we remain a leader in driving innovation while staying true to our mission of protecting the oceans and supporting local fishing communities.

Specialising in harvesting pelagic (midwater) species, we operate state-of-the-art factory freezer trawlers, enabling us to efficiently catch, process, and freeze fish at sea. Our pelagic vessels fish for only four species: mackerel, herring, horse mackerel and blue whiting, all caught from well-managed, sustainable stocks.

Through our commitment to environmental stewardship, global food security, and high-quality seafood production, we provide around 285 million nutritious meals annually to people worldwide. As a proud member of the Cornelis Vrolijk Group, our operations are deeply rooted in sustainability, community support, and responsible fishing practices.

Committed to sustainability and the environment

Environmental stewardship has always been central to the ethos of our company, guided by the principle that “we cannot operate with a broken ocean.” We ensure sustainability through a scientific understanding of fish stocks, monitoring and controlling fishing activity and maintaining ecosystems and ensure we keep innovating.

Over the past 40 years, we have prioritised sustainable fishing practices to minimise our environmental impact. By employing selective fishing methods and focusing on pelagic species, we avoid disturbing the seabed and help preserve marine biodiversity. Over time, we have integrated advanced technologies as they have become available, such as acoustic deterrent devices and other innovative tools, to significantly reduce bycatch and operate in harmony with the ocean’s delicate ecosystems. As a result, our vessels have become some of the most environmentally friendly in the world, setting a benchmark for responsible fishing practices.

As the global population soars from 8 billion to an anticipated 10 billion by 2050, the need for sustainable protein sources has never been greater. Seafood is an affordable, nutritious option with a lower carbon footprint than other proteins. Over our four decades of operating, we have supplied enough fish meals to feed the world population twice.

We continue to actively address the growing global demand for seafood by focusing on pelagic species to ensure a consistent supply of high-quality fish. Through our commitment to maintaining sustainable catch limits, we have contributed significantly to global food security, safeguarding vital resources for future generations and supporting the long-term health of marine ecosystems.

Our fleet

Our fleet has grown and evolved since 1984, adapting to the challenges of a dynamic industry. Today, we’re proud to operate four vessels under the UK flag, with the latest addition to our fleet joining us in 2020. These include Northern Joy, Wiron 5 and Wiron 6, and the Frank Bonefaas.

As we look back on how far we’ve come, we remain excited about the future—continuing to innovate and push boundaries, with a commitment to sustainable practices. Recently, our vessel, Frank Bonefaas became the first “early adopter” to trial Remote Electronic Monitoring (REM) as part of a collaborative initiative with the UK government. We look forward to building on this progress by participating in other advancements that not only support the fishing industry but also champion sustainability, ensuring the long-term health of our oceans.

Economic and community impact

Over the last 40 years our contributions have extended far beyond fishing. We have helped the UK economy by supporting sectors such as fishing technology, gear manufacturing, and engineering. But fishing isn’t just a business—it’s a community.

We have strong ties with the port city of Hull and other fishing communities–the city’s rich maritime heritage and fishing culture serve as a foundation for our success. As such, we have played a vital role in supporting local fishing communities by employing skilled fishermen and nurturing the future generation of maritime professionals by instilling essential skills and passion for working at sea.

Since 2021, we’ve proudly partnered with Fleetwood Nautical College, supporting Cadets as they pursue degrees to prepare for future careers as Marine Engineers or Deck Officers. Cadets also have the opportunity to join our vessels in full-time roles upon completing their studies.

In addition, we’ve partnered with Hull Sea Cadets since 2019, contributing to initiatives like the annual Welton Water camping and sailing trip. This program provides young people with valuable hands-on experience, fostering their connection to careers at sea.

Through these ongoing partnerships, we’re committed to equipping young people with practical sea-going experiences. These opportunities help them build essential skills such as teamwork, seamanship, and marine engineering, while also opening pathways to rewarding maritime careers. By investing in the next generation, we’re helping ensure a sustainable future for fisheries and the communities that depend on them.

A bright future for the fishing industry

As we look ahead to the next 40 years, the North Atlantic Fishing Company is optimistic about the future of sustainable fisheries. With advanced knowledge, data-driven decisions, and cutting-edge technology, we’re confident that we can continue to manage fisheries responsibly while feeding millions worldwide. By balancing environmental stewardship, innovation, and community support, this milestone anniversary marks not just a celebration of past achievements but a promise to uphold our values for generations to come.

With 40 years of fishing excellence, North Atlantic has established itself as a leader in combining tradition, sustainability, and innovation. As we celebrate this milestone, we remain committed to protecting the oceans, supporting communities, and delivering high-quality seafood to tables across the globe. Here’s to the next 40 years of sustainable fishing success!

Our impact – celebrating 40 years of North Atlantic Fishing Company