Fishermen and marine scientists are calling on the fishmeal industry, represented by the Indian Marine Ingredients Association, to prioritize sustainability. This follows the Marine Products Export Development Authority (MPEDA) lifting the moratorium on new fishmeal and fish oil factories. Mohamed Dawood Sait, president of the association, welcomed the move, saying it would revitalize the industry and secure a sustainable future for India’s fishing and aquaculture sectors. However, concerns about sustainability were raised by veteran marine scientist Sunil Mohammed and Charles George of the independent fishermen’s union, Swathanthra Matsya Thozhilali Aikya Vedi.
They stressed that the government must strictly enforce marine fishing regulations to ensure the industry’s long-term viability. Sait emphasized that sustainability is a priority for fishmeal producers, and that the industry relies on small marine fish that are large and have little commercial value. He also emphasized the industry’s commitment to waste management and resource conservation. India is the third largest consumer of fishmeal and a major input for aquaculture, poultry and livestock. Experts emphasize strengthening existing laws, such as using specific mesh sizes in trawl nets to reduce bycatch and bycatch.