To counter commerce ban, fisheries sector eyes new markets with eco-friendly label

About 10 Indian marine and saline fish and shrimp varieties are set to get the worldwide Marine Stewardship Council (MSC) certification quickly. The first batch is about to be submitted for the certification in 2026.

According to consultants, the certification is more likely to enhance the income of the fisheries sector by 30% and assist fishermen and merchants discover new markets aside from the U.S. within the occasion of additional commerce restrictions because of the increased tariffs. The certification will even assist fishing communities start ecologically sustainable fishing practices and guarantee regular incomes.

Fisheries Development Commissioner Okay. Mohammed Koya instructed The Hindu that the Union Government, below the Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana (PMMSY), would subsidise the certification course of, which is completed by third-party auditors.

Mr. Koya mentioned that world prosperous markets, comparable to European and Japanese ones, are in search of sustainably sourced fish. “Sustainability is a part of our fisheries. Some of our fish varieties might not instantly qualify for sustainable segregations, however most of the varieties are amenable to certification. Once we re-certify the fish, the benefits that we get embrace entry to the perfect markets. It is a method of certifying the fish in order that it will get a greater worth,” he mentioned.

Experts mentioned the certification course of is in its last levels and they’re addressing the technical gaps, together with inventory assessments for shrimp, squid, cuttlefish and octopus, that are a part of the brand new varieties that await MSC certification. It is based on the Food and Agriculture Organisation’s (FAO) Code of Conduct for Responsible Fishing and Guidelines for the Eco-labelling of Fish and Fishery Products from Marine Capture Fisheries.

Speaking not too long ago at a technical session collectively hosted by the MSC and the Sustainable Seafood Network India (SSNI) and the Seafood Exporters Association of India (SEAI), MSC’s India head Ranjit Suseelan mentioned the prioritised fisheries are within the superior levels of evaluation, elevating expectations of MSC certification within the subsequent yr.

Gillnet-caught blue swimming crab, trawl-caught karikadi shrimp, trawl-caught Indian nylon shrimp (Deep Sea Shrimp), trawl-caught Indian nylon shrimp (two sorts), trawl-caught Indian squid, trawl-caught poovalan shrimp, trawl-caught pharaoh cuttlefish, trawl-caught webfoot octopus, trawl-caught flower shrimp, and thread fin bream fishery are the varieties at present below the fisheries enchancment undertaking of the MSC.

Other than this, six species of Grouper fish from Kanyakumari, pole-and-line-caught skipjack tuna from Lakshadweep Islands, trap-caught spiny lobster from Kanyakumari, trawl-caught flower shrimp from the Gulf of Mannar, gillnet-caught oil sardine from Kollam, Kerala, Ashtamudi-clam from Kerala and gillnet-caught Mud crab and scylla serrata from Odisha’s Chilka Lake are the brand new fisheries aiming for certification.

Mr. Suseelan mentioned MSC-certified merchandise usually fetch a worth premium of as much as 30% in worldwide markets, boosting India’s seafood export potential. Seafood exporters really feel that such certifications will assist India overcome commerce boundaries in world markets. “Eco-labels and sustainability certifications assist improve acceptance amongst shoppers with a powerful market penetration. This will increase India’s bargaining energy within the world commerce of seafood”, Abraham Tharakan of SEAI mentioned.

Dr. Sunil Mohamed, Chairman of the SSNI, mentioned it’s a market-driven label certification, generally known as an eco-label which is voluntary and ensures sutainability within the sector. “20% of worldwide fisheries are MSC licensed at current. Ashtamudi clam was the primary selection to get MSC certification and i used to be lapsed. it’s going to be re- licensed now. This certification will guarantee that there’s adequate inventory of he fish in order that the fishery might be continued,” he mentioned.