ISO 25247:2026

Overview

ISO 25247:2026 provides internationally recognized principles, methods, and guidance for the treatment and management of aquaculture effluent in closed and semi-closed aquaculture systems. Developed by ISO/TC 234 (Fisheries and aquaculture), this standard supports sustainable aquaculture practices in both seawater and freshwater environments by offering strategies to reduce effluent pollution and manage its impact on receiving water bodies.

The scope of ISO 25247:2026 specifically targets closed and semi-closed aquaculture operations, as open aquaculture systems are not covered. By following its recommendations, aquaculture facilities can minimize environmental impacts, improve operational sustainability, and contribute to global environmental protection goals.

Key Topics

• Effluent Reduction Principles: Emphasizes ecological priority, source reduction, and discharge control as foundational elements in aquaculture effluent management.
• Minimization of Pollution: Outlines techniques to reduce and valorize the generation of aquaculture effluents, such as:
  • Optimizing feeding strategies and stocking densities
  • Utilizing high-quality feed to minimize nutrient discharge
  • Recycling and reuse of solid and dissolved waste components
  • Adoption of integrated multi-trophic aquaculture (IMTA) approaches
• Effluent Treatment Methods:
  • Physical treatments (e.g., filtration, sedimentation, aeration, UV disinfection)
  • Chemical treatments (e.g., flocculation, oxidation, sterilization)
  • Biological treatments (e.g., microbial and plant-based remediation)
• Discharge Management and Monitoring:
  • Guidance for setting up monitoring points and regular sampling of effluent before discharge
  • Recommendations on record-keeping for discharge volumes and frequencies
  • Ensuring treated effluent meets established water quality standards
• Awareness and Training: Encourages training and dissemination of best practices to aquaculture practitioners, ensuring widespread understanding of environmental responsibilities.

Applications

ISO 25247:2026 is valuable for a broad range of users in the aquaculture sector, including:

• Aquaculture facility managers: Implementing robust effluent management strategies for recirculating and pond-based systems
• System designers and engineers: Integrating effective treatment technologies and wetlands into new or existing facilities
• Environmental consultants: Assessing conformity with international effluent reduction and monitoring standards
• Regulatory agencies: Using standardized criteria to evaluate aquaculture effluent controls and reporting mechanisms
• Operators in both marine and freshwater contexts: Applying best practices for pollution reduction, system monitoring, and responsible discharge

By aligning operations with ISO 25247:2026, organizations can substantially reduce risks to biodiversity, improve their environmental performance, enhance their contributions to circular economy initiatives, and support the sustainable development of the aquaculture industry.

Related Standards

Organizations implementing ISO 25247:2026 may also benefit from referencing these related ISO standards for comprehensive water quality and environmental management:

• ISO 17273:2024 - Waste management and reduction from aquaculture facilities in natural water bodies
• ISO 5020:2022 - Waste reduction and treatment on fishing vessels
• ISO 5667-3 - Water quality - Sampling - Preservation and handling of water samples
• ISO 5667-10 - Water quality - Sampling - Guidance on sampling of wastewater
• ISO/IEC 17025 - Competence requirements for testing and calibration laboratories

Integrating these standards helps support a holistic approach to water quality, waste treatment, and overall sustainability in aquaculture.

ISO 25247:2026 establishes a solid foundation for effective aquaculture effluent management, underpinning the global move toward sustainable, environmentally responsible fish and seafood production.