Fisheries sector hopes to beat U.S. curbs with sustainability label, Pg12

Key Highlights:

• About 10 Indian marine and saline fish and shrimp varieties are expected to receive Marine Stewardship Council (MSC) certification soon.
• The first batch for MSC certification is planned for submission in 2026.
• The MSC certification is projected to increase the fisheries sector's revenue by 30%.
• The Union Government will subsidize the certification process under the Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana (PMMSY).
• Global markets like Europe and Japan prefer sustainably sourced fish.

Detailed Insights:

• The MSC certification aims to help fishing communities adopt ecologically sustainable practices and secure stable incomes.
• The certification process is in its final stages, addressing technical gaps like stock assessments for shrimp, squid, cuttlefish, and octopus.
• The certification is based on the Food and Agriculture Organisation’s (FAO) Code of Conduct for Responsible Fishing.
• MSC certification can help Indian fisheries access premium markets and obtain better prices for their products.
• Prioritized fisheries are in advanced stages of assessment, with expectations of MSC certification in the coming year.

Key Concepts Involved:

• Marine Stewardship Council (MSC): An independent non-profit organization that sets a standard for sustainable fishing.
• Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana (PMMSY): A scheme to develop the fisheries sector in a sustainable and responsible manner.
• Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO): A United Nations agency that leads international efforts to defeat hunger.