Standards Development

Scope

This document specifies a system for waste reduction and treatment on fishing vessels. It includes principles, management plans, methods and requirements. The document is relevant both for marine and inland fisheries.

Purpose

A productive, healthy and clean aquatic environment is vital for fisheries and other sectors. In order to accommodate sustainable growth in marine sectors it is essential to avoid littering and other types of pollution. Despite of this, marine and inland waters are recipients for litter and other pollutants, intentionally or unintentionally. A substantial part of this littering stems from fishing vessels.

Marine waste and litter are to a large extent transported over huge distances, often following the ocean currents. Problems due to marine pollution must therefore be solved at an international as well as at a national level.

Reduced release of waste into the ocean and inland water bodies will also make a significant contribution to improved resource management, increased sustainable food-production and improved circular economy.

A standard for waste treatment on fishing vessels could contribute to:

• Reduced global amount of litter from the fishing fleet

• Reduced macro and micro plastic levels in marine and inland waters and on the seabeds/sediments

• Reduced amount of litter in the littoral zone and nearby terrestric areas

• Reduced environmental impact from the seafood industry, e.g. on invertebrates, reptiles, birds and mammals, as well as on recreation areas

• Reduced ghost-fishing • Healthy aquatic ecosystems and sustainable fish stocks

• Increased utilization of “ofall” and untended bycatch

• Increased production of marine and inland biological resources.