Waste reduction creates a better marine environment.
Norwegian Seafood Council
Norway has led the development of a new international standard that will help reduce aquaculture pollution globally by providing more resources for management and supporting sustainability goals in the fishing industry.
"With this standard, the aquaculture industry gets a system that reduces waste and environmental impact, while providing better opportunities for the industry to contribute to the circular economy," explained Jacob Mehus, CEO of Standard Norway.
The international standard NS-ISO 17273 will be very useful for both stakeholders in the aquaculture industry and suppliers of equipment and services. Through waste classification, monitoring, and measures to minimize environmental emissions, both macroplastic and microplastic will be reduced and pollution along coastlines and in recreational areas will be mitigated.
"Aquaculture is an important industry for future food production. With NS-ISO 17273, we are facilitating a more sustainable system that combines efficient resource utilization with a reduced environmental footprint," Mehus noted.
Furthermore, this initiative promotes the circular economy as Mehus indicated, the European plastics strategy, and international measures to reduce marine litter.
Last year, Norway granted subsidies of 94.5 million Norwegian kroner to Oslo Port, Sandnes Port, and Røst Municipality to promote more efficient and environmentally friendly ports. The subsidy program, launched in 2019, is managed by the Norwegian Coastal Administration.
Through the National Transport Plan 2025-2036, the Norwegian government will review the purpose and structure of the subsidy program to further support the green transformation of maritime transport. Moreover, it has proposed to allocate NOK 125 million annually during the planning period.
