Waste management in aquaculture – ISO 17273

NS-ISO 17273 is an international standard that supports the reduction of litter from aquaculture globally. The standard specifies a waste management system and includes plans, methods, principles, and guidelines.

The international standard NS-ISO 17273 was developed under Norwegian leadership and supports several of the UN Sustainable Development Goals: protecting life below water (Goal 14), protecting life on land (Goal 15), and reducing hunger (Goal 2).

In addition, the Norwegian Retailers’ Environment Fund contributed funding for the work. The fund works to reduce environmental challenges related to plastic and is financed by a surcharge on plastic shopping bags sold in stores.

A global challenge

A productive, healthy, and clean aquatic environment is critical for aquaculture. To reduce the climate footprint of the marine sectors, it is essential to avoid littering and pollution. Despite this, waste and pollution—both intentional and accidental—continue to enter marine and freshwater environments.

Waste that ends up in the ocean or inland waters is often transported over long distances by currents, making marine pollution a problem that must be addressed both nationally and internationally.

Benefits of the standard

Reducing waste discharges into marine and freshwater environments contributes to significantly better resource management, more sustainable food production, and a more circular economy.

NS-ISO 17273 can contribute to:

  • Reduction of litter and pollution from aquaculture
  • Lower levels of macroplastics and microplastics in water and on the seabed
  • Reduced shoreline litter and pollution in adjacent land and recreational areas
  • Reduced environmental impact of the seafood sector on species such as fish, invertebrates, reptiles, birds, and mammals
  • Increased support for circular economy efforts, including reuse and recycling of aquaculture equipment
  • Healthier aquatic ecosystems

For both aquaculture operators and suppliers

The system described in NS-ISO 17273 is designed to integrate smoothly with equipment and service providers in the industry. It also supports ongoing efforts in circular economy practices, the European plastics strategy, and resource-efficiency initiatives.

The system includes principles for waste handling, waste classification and planning, monitoring, and how various waste types should be managed and stored.