ISO 16488-2015 PDF

Full title and description

St ISO 16488-2015 — Marine finfish farms — Open net cage — Design and operation. This International Standard provides a systematic method for analysis, design, evaluation and safe operation of open net-cage marine finfish farms, covering floating structures, nets and mooring systems with the objective of reducing escapes and improving safety and system integrity.

Abstract

ISO 16488:2015 presents a methodology to specify a design basis (including environmental conditions and acceptable risk), and gives acceptable techniques for the structural and mooring design, net and cage assessment, and for development of operation and maintenance procedures (handbook) for open net-cage marine finfish farms. The standard is intended to help operators determine adequacy of floating structures, nets and moorings for a given environment and to reduce the risk of fish escapes.

General information

• Status: Published (confirmed in systematic review; remains current as of the last ISO review).
• Publication date: July 2015 (Edition 1, 2015-07).
• Publisher: International Organization for Standardization (ISO).
• ICS / categories: 67.120.30 (Fish and fishery products / Aquaculture).
• Edition / version: Edition 1 (2015).
• Number of pages: 24 pages (official ISO publication length).

Scope

Specifies a general method for systematic analysis, design and evaluation of open net-cage marine finfish farms, including determination of design basis from environmental conditions and acceptable risk, structural and mooring design techniques, net and cage assessment, and guidelines for operation and maintenance procedures to minimise escapes and improve safety and integrity. The intended application is for the operator and designer of net-cage finfish farms.

Key topics and requirements

• Definition of a design basis: environmental loads, site characterization and acceptable risk levels.
• Structural design and analysis methods for floating frames and cage assemblies.
• Mooring system design and assessment for a series of cages in marine environments.
• Net and mesh performance requirements and inspection/maintenance considerations.
• Risk assessment approaches to reduce fish escape and to protect human safety and system integrity.
• Guidance for preparation of an operation and maintenance handbook (procedures, monitoring, testing and record keeping).

Typical use and users

Primary users are aquaculture operators, marine structural and mooring engineers, farm designers, regulatory agencies, certification and inspection bodies, consultants and researchers involved in design, installation, operation and auditing of open net-cage marine finfish farms. The standard is used to develop design specifications, risk-reduction procedures and operator handbooks.

Related standards

ISO 16488:2015 is part of the ISO/TC 234 (Fisheries and aquaculture) work programme and is related to other aquaculture and environmental-management standards developed under that committee (examples include more recent ISO documents on waste management and aquaculture guidance). National standards for floating aquaculture facilities (for example Norway's NS 9415 and related national guidance) and other ISO/TC 234 publications provide complementary requirements and guidance.

Keywords

open net cage; marine finfish farms; aquaculture; mooring design; floating structures; cage nets; escape prevention; risk assessment; operation and maintenance; ISO 16488:2015.

FAQ

Q: What is this standard?

A: ISO 16488:2015 is an international standard titled "Marine finfish farms — Open net cage — Design and operation" that provides methods and guidance for the design, evaluation and operation of open net-cage marine finfish farms.

Q: What does it cover?

A: It covers establishment of a design basis (environmental conditions and acceptable risk), structural and mooring design techniques, net and cage assessment, and guidance for operation and maintenance procedures aimed at reducing escapes and improving safety and system integrity.

Q: Who typically uses it?

A: Aquaculture operators, marine and structural engineers, farm designers, regulators, certification/inspection bodies, consultants and researchers working on net-cage finfish farms.

Q: Is it current or superseded?

A: ISO 16488:2015 was published in July 2015 and was reviewed (confirmed) by ISO during a subsequent review cycle; ISO lists the publication as published and under systematic review rather than withdrawn, so the 2015 edition is the current ISO edition unless a newer ISO revision has been published after the last review. Users should check the issuing body for any amendments or later revisions before relying on the standard for new design work.

Q: Is it part of a series?

A: It is part of the body of standards developed by ISO/TC 234 (Fisheries and aquaculture). While not presented as a numbered multipart series, it is related to other ISO and national standards addressing aquaculture site characterization, waste management, and facility requirements.

Q: What are the key keywords?

A: Open net cage; marine finfish farm; mooring; floating structure; net integrity; escape prevention; risk assessment; operation and maintenance; aquaculture.