Marine fishery experts in India have urged incentives for fishermen to adopt sustainable fishing practices and ensure traceability in the sector. They emphasised that these steps are vital for maintaining sustainability and supporting India’s effort to secure international certification for its fishery.
At a consultative meeting in Kochi, today, participants reviewed the progress of the ongoing fishery improvement project, which aims to achieve Marine Stewardship Council (MSC) certification for deep-sea shrimps, coastal shrimps, and cephalopods from India. Dr. Sunil Mohamed, Chair of the Sustainable Seafood Network of India, highlighted the need for a robust system that tracks the origin of seafood from catch to buyer.
“Traceability is crucial for sustaining marine fisheries and gaining international recognition. By offering incentives for traceable practices, India can enhance its reputation as a responsible seafood producer and access lucrative markets,” he said.
Initiated in 2019, the fishery improvement project (FIP) for 10 prioritised species addresses sustainability issues within the Indian seafood industry, ensuring that sustainable fishing practices meet environmental and social standards. The World Wildlife Fund-India (WWF) and the Seafood Exporters Association of India jointly organised the meeting.
Dr. George Ninan, Director of the ICAR-Central Institute of Fisheries Technology (CIFT), emphasised the role of certification in enhancing the value of seafood exports from India. He noted that a commitment to sustainable practices can attract premium markets and improve the livelihoods of fishermen.
“As India strives to maintain a thriving marine fisheries sector, implementing these recommendations is crucial. By enforcing stricter regulations, promoting traceability, and fostering collaboration among stakeholders, the country can ensure sustainable management of its marine resources for generations,” he added.
CIFT presented the benefits of using square mesh codends on fishing nets to reduce bycatch and improve selectivity. “This design change will significantly reduce the accidental catch of juvenile fish. Adopting square mesh codends can lead to fuel savings of 2 to 3 litres per 12-hour operation, contributing to environmental sustainability,” said, Dr. VR Madhu, Principal Scientist at CIFT.
Dr. Laxmi Pillai from the ICAR-Central Marine Fisheries Research Institute (CMFRI), Kochi presented the stock status of the 10 prioritised species. The meeting also emphasised raising awareness about the benefits of MSC certification among fishermen. By understanding its advantages, fishermen can contribute to the long-term health of marine ecosystems and resource conservation.
Officials from the Kerala Fisheries Department, marine scientists, seafood exporters, and representatives from various agencies involved in the fishery improvement project attended the meeting. Presentations were made on the works carried out by CMFRI, CIFT, Fishery Survey of India, the Department of Fisheries and the Seafood Exporters Association of India (SEAI).
The meeting stressed the importance of open communication among all stakeholders to address concerns and build trust. Regular consultations and dialogue can help create a more harmonious and sustainable fishing environment. Among the speakers were Asha Antony, Joint Director, Department of Fisheries, Kerala; Dr. Laxmi Pillai; Dr. Solly Solomon; Anwar Hashim; and AJ Tharakan.