Fisheries and aquaculture
Fisheries and aquaculture are relatively new areas for standardization, but Norwegian and international standards are an important part of the sector’s toolbox.
As a nation with strong fisheries and aquaculture industries, Norway was early in developing its own national standards in this field. Regulations often reference Norwegian Standards, making their use mandatory rather than voluntary. Various stakeholders in the industry have collaborated with Standards Norway to develop standards for areas such as fish quality, aquaculture facilities, and traceability.
Standards contribute to more efficient use of societal resources. They reduce trade barriers and support a more professional and sustainable fisheries and aquaculture industry. They help lower conflict levels and create predictability for customers and suppliers. Standards also play an important role in vocational education and help further develop the field.
International work
Both fisheries and aquaculture are global industries. Therefore, common international requirements and guidelines, laid down in standards, are needed for production, transport, and seafood traceability.
In 2007, Norway initiated the establishment of an international standardization committee for fisheries and aquaculture. Since then, the ISO committee ISO/TC 234 has been under Norwegian leadership.
Sustainability
Fisheries and aquaculture should not harm the environment or overexploit water, land, or biological resources. This principle guides all standardization work in this area.
Floating production facilities
Escaped farmed fish are a major issue for the industry, both due to financial loss and environmental impact. The purpose of standard NS 9415 for floating aquaculture facilities is to reduce the risk of escapes caused by technical failure or misuse.
Land-based production facilities
The NS 9416 standard, Land-based aquaculture facilities for fish – Requirements for risk analysis, planning, execution, operations, user manual and product datasheet, reduces the risk of fish escape regardless of species or size.
The standard was based on the Directorate of Fisheries' report “The Smolt Initiative 2007” and the Escapes Commission’s recommendation for standardization of smolt facilities.
Terminology in salmon and trout production
Consistent terminology reduces the risk of misinterpretation and improves communication throughout the value chain. The NS 9417 standard provides uniform terminology and methods for the salmon and rainbow trout value chain and forms the basis for consistent data registration and terminology use.
Quality standards
As a fisheries and aquaculture nation, Norway was early in developing standards to set industry requirements. Standards Norway, together with the Norwegian Seafood Council, has created standards for documentation and quality requirements for fish and seafood products, including salmon, cod (skrei), shrimp, and sea-frozen fillets.
Read more about seafood quality standards
Environmental monitoring of fish farming facilities
Good environmental conditions are essential for fish to grow and thrive in aquaculture facilities. Accumulation of feed waste and excrement results in poor water quality, which in turn leads to reduced growth, health problems, and disease. Standardized monitoring methods make it easier for fish farmers to conduct environmental monitoring of their facilities.
The NS 9410 standard, Environmental monitoring of seabed impacts from marine aquaculture facilities, describes a method for measuring and monitoring seabed conditions at farming sites.
Carbon footprint of seafood
The Ministry of Trade, Industry and Fisheries initiated the development of the NS 9418 standard, Carbon footprint of seafood – Product category rules, through Standards Norway. The standard sets requirements for calculating and documenting the carbon footprint of seafood, whether wild-caught or farmed.
Read more about the seafood carbon footprint
Norwegian Standard for fish oils
The NS 9445 standard, Fish oils in triglyceride form (TG) – Requirements for sensory quality, aims to help detect early rancidity and ensure good taste in fish oil products.
Seafood product traceability
The European standard NS-EN 17099 describes how fish boxes and pallets should be labeled with tags. The tags meet both regulatory and supply chain stakeholder requirements. The European standard is based on the Norwegian Standard NS 9405.
Waste management on fishing vessels
The NS-ISO 5020 standard aims to prevent marine litter and other pollution, reduce ghost fishing, and ensure that used materials and resources are brought ashore for further utilization.