The Information and Coordination Centre for Fisheries Transformation (IKTF for short, from the German Informations- und Koordinierungsstelle Transformation Fischerei) supports fisheries in the North Sea and Baltic Sea in their transition to a sustainable, more environmentally friendly and economically viable sector. As a central point of contact for fishermen, politicians, scientists, fisheries and environmental associations, we pool knowledge and bring stakeholders together. The IKTF works on behalf of the Federal Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Regional Identity.
Fishing in the German North Sea and Baltic Sea faces major challenges: fish stocks are suffering from poor environmental conditions, fishing grounds are being lost to new offshore wind farms, the fleet is outdated, there is an acute shortage of young talent, and the number of fishing businesses has been declining for years. With the Information and Coordination Centre for Fisheries Transformation, we are supporting the resulting structural change. The aim is to establish a future-proof and resilient fishing industry that operates in harmony with the natural marine habitats in the long term and can adapt flexibly to future challenges. We see ourselves as a central point of contact for all those involved in the transformation process – especially for fishermen and fisherwomen in both German sea areas.
We inform: We pool existing knowledge, provide scientific findings and present projects and innovations for sustainable fisheries. We also communicate funding and adaptation opportunities, for example for fleet reduction.
We network: We bring people and projects together, for example at events, conferences and workshops, and promote the transfer of knowledge from science to practice and within the sector so that we can learn from each other. In focus groups, we explore thematic issues of structural change with stakeholders from various fields, exchange experiences and develop further steps.
We promote innovation: We coordinate and support innovation and development in order to advance practical and sustainable solutions for fisheries. One focus is on further developing the fishing profession and tapping into alternative sources of income to make the profession more attractive to young people.
We advise: As a point of contact for coastal fishermen and fisherwomen, we facilitate contacts with government agencies on issues relating to operational support, assist in the search for suitable support instruments and their further development, and organise events and training opportunities. At the same time, we advise the Federal Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Regional Identity (BMLEH) on the measures and support approaches necessary for a successful transformation.
The IKTF is based at the Thünen Institute and works closely with various working groups at the Thünen Institutes for Sea Fisheries and Baltic Sea Fisheries. At the beginning of 2026, we moved into our office in Hamburg's HafenCity and commenced our work.
Further Informations
Final report of the Future Commission on Fisheries (in German)
The Future Commission on Fisheries (ZKF) has presented a final report with recommendations for the future of German fisheries on behalf of the Federal Government. Forty representatives from fisheries and environmental associations, science, society and administration were tasked with initiating the transformation process and developing recommendations for policymakers. The work of the IKTF is also based on these recommendations.
- Phone
- +49 531 2570 1203
- daniel.schneider@thuenen.de
- Phone
- +49 531 2570 1456
- andrea.bayerlein@thuenen.de
- Phone
- +49 531 2570 1847
- lina.becker@thuenen.de
- Phone
- +49 531 2570 1857
- anna-lucia.buer@thuenen.de
