Overview
ISO 5020:2022 - Waste reduction and treatment on fishing vessels defines a systematic approach to minimizing, handling and treating waste generated on fishing vessels. Applicable to both marine and inland fisheries, the standard sets out principles, management plans, methods and requirements to prevent littering, reduce pollution (including macro- and microplastics) and support circular economy practices across fishing operations.
Key topics and requirements
- Principles and planning
- General principles for waste avoidance and prevention of pollution, including measures to avoid ghost fishing, littering and pollution.
- Use of the waste hierarchy (prioritizing prevention, reuse, recycling, recovery and disposal) and a focus on the circular economy.
- Classification of waste
- Categorizes waste relevant to fishing vessels: solid waste, liquid effluent, and hazardous waste.
- Waste plan and waste management system
- Requirement for a documented waste plan describing how to minimize, store/handle and offload waste, with periodic evaluation and updating.
- Onboard handling and storage
- Guidance on handling waste from fishing operations (including packaging, lost/scrapped gear and maintenance waste), storage facilities, container security and storage conditions.
- Waste treatment and discharge
- Procedures for onboard treatment, conditions for discharge into sea and inland waters, and coordination with onshore waste receivers and facilities.
- Documentation and awareness
- Recordkeeping, documentation of procedures and an awareness programme to educate fishers and stakeholders about environmental impacts and best practice.
Note: ISO 5020:2022 contains no normative references and aligns with existing international practices and definitions (e.g., concepts referenced in MARPOL and ISO 14001 terminology).
Applications and who uses it
ISO 5020:2022 is practical for:
- Fishing vessel owners and fleet operators seeking to implement or improve onboard waste management systems.
- Skippers and crew responsible for day-to-day waste handling, storage and documentation.
- Fisheries managers, port authorities and regulators developing port reception facilities, compliance programmes or sustainability policies.
- Environmental managers, auditors and certification bodies assessing fleet performance on pollution prevention and circular economy measures.
- Equipment and service providers supplying onboard waste containers, treatment systems and logistics for waste offloading.
Adoption helps reduce marine litter, lower microplastic release, limit ghost fishing and improve resource recovery across fishing operations.
Related standards
- MARPOL (International Convention for the Prevention of Pollution from Ships) - relevant for definitions and garbage discharge rules.
- ISO 14001 - related environmental management system terminology and stakeholder concepts.
Keywords: ISO 5020:2022, waste reduction, waste treatment, fishing vessels, marine fisheries, inland fisheries, waste management system, circular economy, ghost fishing, microplastic, onboard storage.
