KOCHI: Terming the eco-labelling certification awarded by the Marine Stewardship Council (MSC) crucial to bolster the export value of Indian seafood products, a panel of stakeholders decided to make joint efforts to obtain the certification.The panel discussion held at the Central Marine Fisheries Research Institute (CMFRI) here on Thursday agreed unanimous efforts are required to implement fishery improvement projects (FIPs) prior to meeting the standards for the MSC certification.
Organised jointly by the CMFRI, MSC and the World Wildlife –India (WWF), the meet finalised strategies for the fishery improvement plans for the country.MSC Developing World Programmes head Yemi Oloruntuyi said maintaining the sustainability of fisheries is crucial to increase its acceptability in the international market.
“Sustainability has become the most important factor in seafood procurement in the international market. It provides a competitive advantage. The concept behind eco-labelling is to harness consumer power to usher in change in the fisheries sector. It involves assessment of ecological performance and promoting market support for sustainable seafood products. It provides a framework and pathway for fishery improvement,” she said.
Sustainability of stocks, ecosystem impact and effective management are the three major factors required for fulfilling the MSC standards, said Yemi. “The environmental benefits of eco-labelling, include improved sustainability of fish stocks, reduced bycatch, improvement of habitat and ecosystem, increased compliance with regulations and ecosystem- based management,” she said. CMFRI director A Gopalakrishnan presided over the meet.
10 fisheries prioritised
Considering the commercial importance, 10 fisheries were prioritised by the panel as the targeted fishery for getting MSC certification. They include blue swimming crab, shrimp, red ring shrimp, squid, whelk, flower shrimp, cuttlefish, lobster, skipjack tuna and Japanese threadfin bream. Fishery improvement projects will be developed for these fisheries.
Presenting a road map for obtaining the MSC certification, CMFRI principal scientist K Sunil Mohammed said the certification will enhance the economic opportunities and market access for the country’s fishing industry, in addition to enhanced international reputation for the quality of Indian fishery management.