Haarlem, The Netherlands, April 16, 2010: Christine Absil and Esther Luiten of Seas At Risk member organisation Stichting De Noordzee (SDN) have been awarded the prestigious Edgar Donker Prize 2010 for their contribution towards the sustainability of fish stocks.

The Edgar Donker Prize is awarded annually to individuals who have committed themselves within the field of conservation in the Netherlands.

The prize of 150,000 Euros is to be spent on a conservation project determined by the winners, in consultation with the Edgar Donker Foundation's board.

Both Christine and Esther have been honoured particularly for their work on the VISwijzer (the fish wallet card), which helps consumers and companies to choose sustainable fish.

Speaking on the achievements of both winners, Dr. Ir Jaap Kuper of the Edgar Donker Prize said: "Christien Absil and Esther Luiten have in recent years, often behind the scenes, worked tirelessly towards shifting fisheries to a sustainable future.

“Without their efforts, a change in the exploitation of the sea would still be far away. Absil and Luiten are owed a huge debt of gratitude, both from the Dutch and abroad.”

The effect of VISwijzer has seen a huge increase in awareness amongst consumers and businesses alike concerning the sustainability of fish.

A study from November 2009 showed that two-thirds of all Dutch people know of the VISwijzer. It has been a catalyst for sustainability in the whole fish-chain; from fishermen to retailers and from fishmongers to restaurants. In 2008 for example, the umbrella organization for supermarkets in the Netherlands, CBL, announced that in 2011 they would only sell sustainably caught fish in supermarkets.

Seas At Risk applauds the work of both Christine and Esther and wishes them the best of luck with their continuing efforts in the field of sustainable fisheries.