Our Industry Standard

Credibility, traceability, accountability, and sustainability are essential to the fish processing and marine ingredients sector. To support these principles, EFFOP members have collaborated to develop the first European industry standard for the draining and weighing of unsorted pelagic landings destined for fishmeal and fish oil production. This standard provides a consistent, transparent, and verifiable method for determining raw material weights, strengthening confidence in reporting, monitoring, and supply-chain integrity.

Development of the Industry Standard

The industry standard is designed to complement—not replace—existing national legislation and international regulatory frameworks. Its development drew directly on the principles outlined in the FAO Code of Conduct for Responsible Fisheries, particularly the guidance on post-harvest practices and responsible fish utilization. By aligning with these internationally recognised best practices, the standard provides a harmonised and transparent approach to draining and weighing procedures across Europe.

Read the Industry Standard here.

Importance of Accurate Measurement

Accurate measurement and the use of standardised procedures are fundamental to a well-functioning fisheries market. Consistent weighing methods help ensure transparency in transactions, reliable reporting, and a solid foundation for science and management. This industry standard provides a uniform approach to the draining and weighing of unsorted pelagic landings across Europe, reducing variation between ports and countries. By harmonising practices, it supports fair documentation of raw material volumes and strengthens the quality of data used in monitoring and resource management. Over time, this approach may also serve as a model for other regions seeking to improve accuracy and consistency in their own reporting systems.

Supervision of the Weighing Process

To avoid conflicts of interest, the weighing process must be conducted independently of parties with a commercial stake in the transaction, such as buyers. The registration and documentation of all small pelagic bulk landings should therefore be supervised by national fisheries control authorities, an authorised weighing operator appointed by those authorities, or an accredited independent third party. This separation of roles ensures impartiality, reinforces accountability, and maintains a clear distinction between the weighing operator and the buyer.

Ensuring Sustainable Practices

Accurate reporting is a fundamental requirement for sustainable fisheries management and for producing reliable scientific data. By ensuring that all small pelagic bulk landings are properly recorded, EFFOP members contribute to transparent documentation of catches and more precise monitoring of quota uptake. These efforts support science-based management decisions and help maintain fair and consistent practices across the industry.