Incentives urged for sustainable fishing practices

Marine fishery experts have proposed incentives to encourage fishermen to adopt sustainable fishing practices and improve traceability in the sector. The suggestions came during a consultative meeting held on Wednesday to assess the progress of the ongoing fishery improvement project aimed at achieving Marine Stewardship Council certification for deep sea shrimps, coastal shrimps, and cephalopods from India. The meeting was organized by the Seafood Exporters' Association of India and the World Wide Fund (WWF). Sunil Mohamed, chair of the Sustainable Seafood Network of India, emphasized the need for a robust system to track seafood from catch to buyer, highlighting that traceability is crucial for sustainable marine fisheries and gaining international recognition. He noted that incentivizing fishermen to adopt traceable practices could enhance India’s reputation as a responsible seafood producer and open access to lucrative markets. Initiated in 2019, the fishery improvement project focuses on 10 prioritized species to address sustainability issues within the Indian seafood industry and align fishing practices with environmental and social standards. George Ninan, Director of the Central Institute of Fisheries Technology (CIFT), inaugurated the meeting, stating that a commitment to sustainable practices could attract premium markets and improve fishermen's livelihoods. He stressed the importance of implementing stricter regulations, promoting traceability, and fostering collaboration among stakeholders to ensure sustainable management of marine resources. CIFT scientists also recommended using square mesh cod-ends on fishing nets to reduce bycatch and improve selectivity. The meeting highlighted the need to raise awareness about the benefits of Marine Stewardship Council certification among fishermen, as understanding these advantages could contribute to the long-term health of marine ecosystems. Keynote speakers at the event were Asha Antony, Joint Director of the Ministry of Fisheries, and seafood industry members Sully Solomon, Anwar Hashem and A.J. Space.