CMFRI's seafood roadmap - protecting fishers, expanding export markets
Kochi, June 16
India is moving towards a formal framework for certifying sustainable seafood, with the ICAR-Central Marine Fisheries Research Institute drafting the country's first National Guidelines for Marine Ecolabelling, a move aimed at improving export competitiveness while protecting the interests of fishing communities.
The draft discussion paper proposes a national mechanism to regulate and oversee marine ecolabelling programmes operating in India, at a time when global demand for sustainability-certified seafood is rapidly increasing.
Several international certification agencies are also looking to expand their presence in the Indian seafood sector.
Marine ecolabelling provides an assurance that fish and fishery products are sourced from responsibly managed and sustainable fisheries.
Such certification has become increasingly important in premium international markets, where buyers are demanding proof of environmental compliance and responsible sourcing.
A key feature of the proposed guidelines is the protection of traditional and small-scale fishing communities.
The CMFRI has highlighted that while ecolabelling can provide fishers access to premium markets and better returns, certification systems driven entirely by market forces could unintentionally exclude artisanal fishing communities.
To prevent this, the draft mandates that traditional and coastal fishing communities should have an equitable role in certification processes and benefit from sustainability initiatives.
The framework aims to ensure that legitimate stakeholders are not left behind as the seafood industry moves towards global sustainability standards.
The proposed guidelines also emphasise India's sovereign rights over marine resources within its Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ).
All certification activities will have to comply with Indian fisheries laws, state-level regulations, biodiversity conservation norms, seafood safety standards, and coastal aquaculture rules.
The framework places special emphasis on traceability across the seafood value chain, ensuring that products reaching global markets can be linked back to responsible harvesting practices.
The move gains significance as India seeks to strengthen its position in the global seafood trade.
The guidelines also explore the possibility of developing an indigenous Indian marine ecolabel that can complement internationally recognised certification systems.
The initiative is expected to create a balance between environmental sustainability, export growth and livelihood security for millions dependent on marine fisheries.
— IANS
Reader Comments
Finally, someone is thinking about both sustainability and our fishing communities. Too often, these global certification schemes favour big players. The CMFRI's focus on traditional fishers is commendable. But I hope the implementation doesn't become another bureaucratic hurdle for our local fishermen. Make it simple, make it accessible. 🇮🇳
As someone who buys seafood regularly from our local markets, I worry about traceability. How will this certification reach the small vendor who sells fresh catch on the beach? The guidelines must include grassroots-level training and monitoring. Also, why wait for foreign certification when we can have our own Indian ecolabel? That would be truly empowering for our coastal communities.
Good initiative but I've seen how these certifications work in other sectors. The small fisherman ends up bearing the cost of audits and paperwork while the exporters pocket the premium. The CMFRI must ensure the benefits actually reach the people who go out in the sea every day. Otherwise it's just another box-ticking exercise for big companies. 🤔
This is a smart move for India's export ambitions. The EU and US markets are increasingly demanding sustainability certifications. With CMFRI leading this, India can position itself as a responsible seafood supplier. The emphasis on sovereign rights over the EEZ is also crucial. However, I hope the guidelines are science-based and transparent to avoid trade disputes later.
My father was a fisherman in Kerala. He always said the sea gives enough if we take only what we need. This ecolabelling is a step in that direction - responsible harvesting, better
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