Synopsis
The Kerala government is committed to enhancing the fisheries sector through support for Marine Stewardship Council (MSC) certification, aiming to boost seafood exports and ensure sustainability amidst declining fish stocks.Key Takeaways
- Kerala government supports MSC certification for fisheries.
- Certification promotes global competitiveness of seafood exports.
- Focus on sustainable fishing practices amid climate challenges.
- Department of Fisheries to enforce effective management strategies.
- Prioritization of twelve species for fishery improvement projects.
Thiruvananthapuram, March 12 (NationPress) Highlighting the critical necessity for sustainability in the fisheries domain, the Kerala government has pledged its support for initiatives aimed at achieving Marine Stewardship Council (MSC) certification.
B Abdul Nasar, Special Secretary to the Kerala Fisheries Department, stated that obtaining this certification would boost the global competitiveness of India's seafood exports while ensuring the sustainability of marine resources.
Nasar emphasized that the Department of Fisheries, responsible for managing the state's marine resources, will ensure that effective management strategies, as recommended by research institutions, are implemented and enforced to maintain sustainable fisheries in Kerala.
According to Nasar, "The MSC certification will be extremely beneficial for all participants in the fisheries sector, from diligent fishers to exporters, ultimately benefiting society as a whole."
Expressing concern regarding declining fish catches and the effects of climate change, he highlighted the necessity of adopting sustainable fishing practices to secure livelihoods and protect marine biodiversity, making global certification essential for the overall enhancement of the Indian fisheries sector.
"The MSC certification will not only enhance seafood exports but also promote environmental sustainability. To support this transformative journey, the Department of Fisheries is committed to providing consistent assistance and guidance," Nasar added.
As part of India's efforts toward MSC certification, twelve species, including deep sea shrimp, coastal shrimp, cuttlefish, threadfin breams, and blue swimming crab, have already been prioritized, with most of their fishery improvement projects (FIPs) nearing completion.
Leading fisheries scientist Sunil Mohamed noted that the depletion of resources and drastic declines in commercially significant species are alarming, threatening fishermen's livelihoods.
"Landings of shrimp and squid, along with many other species, are experiencing a notable decline, resulting in a severe supply shortage within the seafood value chain. This necessitates the immediate adoption of sustainable practices, and efforts to secure MSC certification could restore fish stocks and promote long-term health in the sector," Mohamed stated.
Amanda Lejbowicz, Head of Fisheries Standard Accessibility at MSC, London, who led the technical sessions, mentioned that MSC certification would greatly enhance India's fishery exports to Europe and North America by providing improved market access and bolstering its global reputation for sustainable fishery management.
MSC is an international non-profit organization that establishes globally recognized standards for sustainable fishing and the seafood supply chain.
