ISO 16663-1:2009

Overview

ISO 16663-1:2009 - Fishing nets - Method of test for the determination of mesh size - Part 1: Opening of mesh - specifies an objective, reproducible method to determine the size of mesh openings in fishing nets. The standard applies to both active and passive fishing gear and defines equipment, measurement forces, test atmosphere, procedure, calibration and reporting requirements for accurate mesh-size determination using an objective mesh gauge.

Key topics and technical requirements

• Objective mesh gauge: Electrically driven, automatic gauge with two jaws (2 mm thick, 1 mm rounded edges). Measures mesh openings from 10 mm to 300 mm with 1 mm precision; stretching speed (300 ± 30) mm/min; built-in force measurement and software control. Must store ≥1 000 measurements and transmit data to a computer.
• Measurement force:
  • Active gear: 20 N for meshes < 35 mm; 50 N for 35–<55 mm; 125 N for ≥ 55 mm.
  • Passive gear: 10 N for all mesh sizes.
• Software functions: Mean mesh opening calculation rounded to 0.1 mm; automatic selection of the longer diagonal for square meshes; automatic self-test and creep compensation algorithm (re-apply force if load drops below 80%).
• Environmental and mechanical requirements: Gauge resistant to marine corrosion, water- and dust-resistant to IP56 (IEC 60529), operational −10 °C to +40 °C (storage −25 °C to +65 °C).
• Calibration and verification: Annual calibration by an authorized institute; periodic length verification using a calibrated test plate and force verification with calibrated weights (10 N, 20 N, 50 N, 125 N).
• Testing conditions: Tests may be dry or wet. Wet conditioning options: immersion in tap water at (20 ± 2) °C for ≥12 h or in a wetting-agent solution for ≥1 h. Dry tests require standard atmosphere per ISO 139.
• Procedure and sampling: Insert gauge into the widest mesh position, stretch and measure automatically; accept/reject each reading; minimum of 20 consecutive mesh measurements per series.
• Results and reporting: Mean mesh opening (mm), state (wet/dry), measurement force, number of measurements, coefficient of variation/confidence interval, material/type details and any deviations.

Applications and users

• Fisheries managers and enforcement authorities for compliance with mesh-size regulations
• Fishing-net manufacturers and quality-control labs for production testing
• Research institutions studying selectivity and bycatch mitigation
• Certification bodies verifying gear specifications

Keywords: ISO 16663-1:2009, mesh size, fishing nets, objective mesh gauge, mesh opening, measurement force, calibration, wet testing.

Related standards

• ISO 16663-2 (Length of mesh)
• ISO 1107 (netting terms and definitions)
• ISO 139 (conditioning atmospheres)
• IEC 60529 (IP Code for dust/water resistance)