Call to incentivize fishers for sustainable fishing

Kochi: Offering incentives to encourage fishermen to adopt sustainable fishing practices and ensuring traceability in the sector could be a way to maintain the practices, opined marine fisheries experts on India's attempt to secure international certification for its fishery.

They were interacting at a consultative meeting held in Kochi on Wednesday to review the progress of ongoing fishery improvement project (FIP) aimed at achieving Marine Stewardship Council (MSC) certification for deep-sea shrimps, coastal shrimps and cephalopods from India.

Fisheries scientist and chair of sustainable seafood network of India Sunil Mohamed stressed the need for a robust system that tracks the origin of seafood from catch to buyer.

"Traceability is a critical factor in ensuring sustainability of marine fisheries and gaining international recognition. By incentivising fishermen to adopt traceable practices, India can enhance its reputation as a responsible seafood producer and secure access to lucrative markets," he added.

FIP for 10 prioritized species was initiated in 2019 in a collaborative effort to address sustainability issues within Indian seafood industry and ensure that fishing practices align with environmental and social standards. The meeting was jointly organized by World Wildlife Fund - India (WWF) and Seafood Exporters Association of India.

Inaugurating the meet, Central Institute of Fisheries Technology (CIFT) director George Ninan said certification plays a significant role in enhancing the value of seafood exported from India. "By demonstrating commitment to sustainable practices, Indian fisheries can attract premium markets and improve livelihoods of fishermen," he said.

"As India strives to maintain a thriving marine fisheries sector, implementation of these recommendations is crucial. By adopting stricter regulations, promoting traceability, and fostering collaboration among stakeholders, the country can ensure that its marine resources are managed sustainably for generations to come," he added.

CIFT scientists said the use of square mesh codends on fishing nets would help 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 2-3 litres per 12-hour operation, contributing to environmental sustainability," said CIFT principal scientist V R Madhu.

CMFRI scientist Laxmi Pillai presented the stock status of 10 prioritized species.

The meeting also underscored the need to raise awareness about benefits of MSC certification among fishermen. It was attended by Kerala state fisheries department officials, marine scientists, seafood exporters and representatives from various agencies involved in FIP.

News Source: https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/kochi/call-to-incentivize-fishers-for-sustainable-fishing