Overview
EN ISO 16663-2:2003 is a European standard developed by CEN in cooperation with ISO that specifies a precise method for determining the mesh length of fishing nets. This part of the ISO 16663 series focuses specifically on measuring mesh length using a ruler. The standard is applicable primarily to passive fishing gears, such as gill nets, entangling nets, and trammel nets, which rely on the fish’s movement to catch them.
This standard provides a straightforward, reliable procedure to ensure consistent measurement and quality control of fishing nets, which is crucial for regulatory compliance, fisheries management, and commercial fishing efficiency.
Key Topics
-
Scope and Application
Applicable to passive fishing gear, which are nets that catch fish by entanglement or enmeshing, typically stationary or anchored fishing equipment.
-
Definitions
Includes clear definitions of fishing net types like gill nets, entangling nets, and trammel nets to standardize terminology.
-
Test Conditions
Detailed environmental conditions for testing, including standard atmosphere conditions for dry testing (aligned with ISO 139), and specified immersion in water or wetting solutions for wet-state measurements.
-
Measurement Procedure
Manual straightening of the netting in the N-direction followed by measurement of mesh length with a ruler. At least 10 measurements are recommended per sample to ensure statistical reliability.
-
Calculation and Reporting
Average mesh length is calculated by dividing the total length measured by 5, with results rounded up to the next millimetre. The standard also requires computation of coefficient of variation and confidence intervals.
Test reports must document material type, netting type (knotted or knotless), mesh size, measurement state (dry or wet), and any testing deviations.
Applications
-
Fisheries Management
Ensures mesh sizes meet legal and environmental regulations protecting undersized fish and preserving marine ecosystems.
-
Quality Control in Net Manufacturing
Enables manufacturers to verify fishing nets meet design specifications, improving durability and fishing efficiency.
-
Research and Development
Facilitates standard testing procedures for new fishing net designs or materials, supporting innovation and sustainable fishing practices.
-
Regulatory Compliance
Provides a standardized testing method that fisheries inspectors and certification bodies can use for enforcement and certification purposes.
Related Standards
-
EN ISO 1107 (ISO 1107:2003) - Fishing nets: Basic terms and definitions necessary for understanding mesh measurements and netting characteristics.
-
ISO 139 - Textiles: Standard atmospheres for conditioning and testing, crucial for creating consistent environmental conditions during net testing.
-
Other parts of ISO 16663 series may cover different aspects of mesh size determination or related net testing methodologies.
Keywords: fishing nets mesh size, mesh length measurement, passive fishing gear testing, EN ISO 16663-2, fishing net quality control, netting measurement standards, gill nets, entangling nets, trammel nets, CEN fishing standards, ISO fishing gear testing, standard atmosphere for testing nets.
