NEW DELHI: After more than four years, the government of India has removed the moratorium on registration of new fish meal and fish oil units. The decision was warmly welcomed by the manufacturers, exporters and fisherfolk as the moratorium had severely impacted them.
Fish meal plays a crucial role in meeting the protein needs of aquaculture, poultry, and livestock, supporting food security. The major raw material used for fishmeal is low-value, highly resistant, and low human-preferred fish which are abundant in Indian waters. The industry uses this resource and transforms by-products into valuable protein sources.
After continuous pursuance from trade and manufacturing bodies, the Marine Products Export Development Authority (MPEDA) examined their demands in its 147th meeting and decided to lift the moratorium on the registration of new fish meal and fish oil-producing units to enhance the capacity of existing units.
Further, the Authority has also decided to form a team to inspect the current capacity of units and fix the capacity with uniform norms.
The MPEDA had put a moratorium on the registration of new fish meal and fish oil units with effect from January 1, 2020 to curb over-exploitation of food fish resources. It was also believed that the moratorium would enhance the production capacity of existing fishmeal units.
The decision of moratorium came after the report of the use of unabated juvenile fishing for fishmeal and fish oil production which resulted in stagnating catches of commercially important species and risked the depletion of the food fish resources. Further, it had posed a major risk to the livelihood of fisherfolk.
The decision was criticised by the industry body as India ranks as the world's third-largest producer and exporter of fish meal. It was worried that the decision would hit the industry badly.
Indian Marine Ingredients Association (IMIA) appreciated the MPEDA’s decision to lift the moratorium on the registration of new fish meal and fish oil units and endorse additional capacity.
“This pivotal move is set to revitalize the industry and ensure a sustainable future for India's fishing and aquaculture sectors,” said Mohamed Dawood Sait, President, of IMIA. He further said the decision will help to balance economic growth with environmental sustainability.
“It will address the illegal production and regulate unethical practices by the fish meal and fish oil industry,” he added.