Indian Marine Ingredients Association (IMIA) is spearheading a national effort to enhance the sustainability and competitiveness of the marine ingredients industry in India, especially in the fishmeal and fish oil (FMFO) segment, by adopting responsible sourcing practices, better utilisation of resources, scientific management and stakeholder engagement.

The association is working towards creating a single, credible sustainability framework to benefit fishers, enhance industry coordination and boost India's position in global markets, said Mohamed Dawood Sait, President of IMIA. The marine ingredients industry is an important part of the national economy and provides livelihoods to thousands of fishers and people involved in the fisheries value chain, he added.

The industry uses low-value, short-lived and naturally abundant pelagic fish species, fish processing by-products, unavoidable by-catch and post-harvest losses, which is in line with the principles of efficient resource use and the circular economy.

IMIA has been promoting the idea of "One India–One Fishery Improvement Project (FIP)" to ensure greater coherence in fisheries sustainability efforts. A harmonised national FIP framework would help boost India's credibility in international markets, enable access to sustainability-oriented buyers, reduce duplication of efforts and provide a coordinated and streamlined approach to responsible fisheries management across the country, he added.

The campaign for the national coordination of the Fishery Improvement Project was supported by industry representatives from coastal states across the country, along with IMIA representatives. They emphasized the need for collective action and cooperation among all stakeholders to ensure the long-term sustainability of marine fisheries and the marine ingredients industry in India.