Seven new European standards to come on the circularity and recyclability of fishing gear and aquaculture equipment

The series of European standards EN 17988 on circular fishing gear, developed within CEN/TC 466: Circular design of fishing gear and aquaculture equipment, is expected to be published in November 2024 if approved in the final stage of European standards development.

These revolutionary standards will transform the industry by promoting the principles of circular design in fishing gear and aquaculture equipment.

What is the EN 17988 series?

Since 2021, CEN/TC 466 has been working in collaboration with the European Commission to develop the EN 17988-series. This series of standards is designed to guide the fishing industry to start and further the circular design of fishing gear. The instruments taken up within the series are useable during the entire life cycle, from design until end of life.

The series consists of six key standards, each addressing crucial aspects of circularity:

• EN 17988-1, Circular design of fishing gear and aquaculture equipment – Part 1: General requirements and guidelines;
• EN 17988-2, Circular design of fishing gear and aquaculture equipment – Part 2: User manuals and labelling;
• EN 17988-3, Circular design of fishing gear and aquaculture equipment – Part 3: Technical requirements and guidelines;
• EN 17988-4, Circular design of fishing gear and aquaculture equipment – Part 4: Environmental and circularity requirements and guidelines;
• EN 17988-5, Circular design of fishing gear and aquaculture equipment – Part 5: Circular business models;
• EN 17988-6, Circular design of fishing gear and aquaculture equipment – Part 6: Requirements and guidelines for digitalization of information of components of fishing gear and aquaculture equipment;
• CEN/TS 18101 Circular design of fishing gear and aquaculture equipment – Terms and definitions.