A new CEN TC will develop standards for Life Cycle Management and Circular Design of fishing gear

Acknowledging this need, CEN/TC 466 'Sustainable fisheries, aquaculture and fishing gear’ was recently established and will have its first meeting on 26 November 2020. The new technical committee will develop standards for sustainability, circularity and Life Cycle Management, regarding sustainable fishing, aquaculture and fish products. This includes fishing gear and its components, freshness of products and marketing. Included in the scope are environmental, social and economic sustainability of fishing products and freshness categories.

The European Commission’s DG MARE, responsible for Maritime Affairs and Fisheries, intends to issue a Standardization Request to CEN in the area of fishing gear, in support of Directive (EU) 2019/904 on the reduction of the impact of certain plastic products on the environment, by the end of 2020. The standard(s) for circular design of fishing gear should provide the level playing field for the industry to develop a higher quality and environmentally friendly fishing gear that is easily reused or recycled at the end of life and will provide the industry the opportunity to act sustainably for a healthier planet.

The European Green Deal and the recently published Farm to Fork strategy state that the adoption of sustainable fish and seafood production methods be accelerated. Standards take an active part in the transition towards a greener economy. For this reason, the new CEN/TC 466 will support the EU Strategy goals by developing standards to ensure sustainable production and marketing.

If you are interested to join this technical committee, please contact the CEN National Standardization Bodies in your country.
For more information, please contact Zarra DE LAAT (NEN) or Claire DALIER.