A fishing net tossed carelessly once drifted in the ocean for years, harming marine life and creating waste. That’s where EN 17988 (Circular Fishing Gear Standard) steps in to change how fishing gear is designed and managed for a cleaner planet.
This standard offers a clear path for making fishing tools that don’t end up as ocean trash but instead can be repaired, reused, or recycled. It helps everyone from makers to fishers work together to protect the environment and keep resources in use longer.
Think of it like a guidebook for turning fishing gear into a cycle of use rather than a one-time throwaway—cutting waste, saving materials, and supporting healthier seas for future generations.
Definition: EN 17988 (Circular Fishing Gear Standard)
EN 17988 is a European standard that guides the design and production of fishing gear and aquaculture equipment to support a circular economy. It sets rules to reduce waste, encourage recycling, and make sure materials can be reused or repurposed. The standard covers everything from general principles to labeling, technical specs, environmental impact, business models, and digital product info.
EN 17988 sets rules to reduce waste and encourage recycling in fishing gear design. It guides making products reusable, supporting a circular economy.
For example, a fishing net designed under EN 17988 would use materials that can be easily recycled or repurposed after use, include clear instructions for repair and disposal, and be part of a business model that extends the product’s life, helping reduce plastic pollution in oceans.
How new standards help fishing gear become more sustainable
What role can standards play in reducing plastic waste from fishing and aquaculture equipment? The EN 17988 series was created to tackle the environmental problems caused by plastic pollution in European waters. It focuses on guiding producers toward more circular and eco-friendly design choices.
These standards came about after the European Commission introduced rules to cut single-use plastics. The EN 17988 series breaks down circular design into six parts, covering everything from general rules to digital tracking of equipment parts. This helps everyone involved—from designers to fishers—work together to promote recycling, reuse, and longer-lasting gear.
By setting clear guidelines, these standards encourage manufacturers to think about a product’s entire life, including how it can be repaired or recycled. This helps reduce waste and supports a circular economy in the fishing industry.
The EN 17988 series is a practical step forward for sustainable fishing gear design. It shows how collaboration and clear rules can lead to less pollution and healthier oceans.
5 examples on circular practices in fishing gear management
Here are some ways fishing gear can be managed to support circularity and reduce environmental impact:
- Gear design for recyclability: Designing nets and ropes with materials that are easier to recycle helps keep waste out of oceans. This approach supports resource recovery after use.
- Collection programs: Systems that gather used or damaged fishing gear from fishers prevent ghost fishing and enable material reuse. These programs close the loop on gear life cycles.
- Recycling technologies: Advanced processes break down old nets into raw materials, turning waste into new products. This reduces the need for virgin plastics and lowers pollution.
- Repair and refurbishment: Extending the life of gear through repair keeps items in use longer, reducing demand for new gear and minimizing waste.
- Traceability systems: Tracking gear from production to disposal ensures responsible end-of-life management and supports circular economy goals.
While traditional fishing often focused solely on catch efficiency, circular methods consider the entire gear lifecycle. This shift creates opportunities to protect marine environments while supporting fishers’ livelihoods.
Terms related to circular fishing gear standards
Circular fishing gear design focuses on reducing waste and improving recycling to protect marine environments and support sustainable fishing practices.
- General requirements: Basic criteria and guidelines for designing fishing gear with circularity in mind.
- User manuals and labelling: Instructions and labels that help users understand proper use and disposal.
- Technical requirements: Specific material and design standards to ensure durability and recyclability.
- Environmental guidelines: Measures to minimize the impact of fishing gear on ecosystems.
- Circular business models: Strategies for companies to promote reuse, repair, and recycling of fishing equipment.
- Digital information: Use of digital tools to track components and support effective recycling and waste management.
Frequently asked questions about EN 17988 circular fishing gear standard
This standard helps make fishing gear and aquaculture equipment more sustainable and circular.
What is UNE EN 17988-1:2024 about?
It sets general rules and guidelines to design fishing gear with circularity in mind, focusing on durability, repairability, and recyclability.
What does UNE EN 17988-2:2024 cover?
This part guides how to create user manuals and labels that clearly explain how to use, maintain, and recycle the fishing gear properly.
What are the technical requirements in UNE EN 17988-3:2024?
It details the technical specs fishing gear must meet to ensure safety, performance, and circular design principles like ease of disassembly.
How does UNE EN 17988-4:2024 address environmental concerns?
It provides rules to minimize environmental impact through material choices and design, promoting recycling and waste reduction.
What are circular business models in UNE EN 17988-5:2024?
This section offers ideas for businesses to create value by reusing, repairing, or recycling fishing gear, supporting a circular economy.
Why is digitalization important in UNE EN 17988-6:2024?
It sets guidelines for using digital tools to track components, making it easier to manage, repair, and recycle fishing gear throughout its life.
