India Set to Enter Global Fisheries Certification by Late 2025

Kochi : In a significant development for India’s seafood exports, the country is expected to secure global fisheries certification by the end of 2025. A stakeholder workshop held in Kochi on Monday highlighted India’s remarkable progress toward sustainable fisheries, with most prioritized species nearing the completion of Fishery Improvement Projects (FIPs).

Achieving certification under the Marine Stewardship Council (MSC) will require fisheries to meet standards related to sustainable stock levels, minimal environmental impact, and effective fishery management. The certification is expected to boost India’s competitiveness in international seafood markets.

The capacity-building workshop, hosted by the Sustainable Seafood Network India (SSNI) in collaboration with key stakeholders, aimed to familiarize participants with MSC certification principles and discuss the progress of sustainable fisheries management in India. Attendees included marine scientists, government officials, environmentalists, certification experts, and seafood exporters.

India has already conducted pre-assessments for a dozen prioritized fisheries against MSC standards, enabling stakeholders to develop targeted action plans for improvement. The workshop also highlighted the rising global demand for certified seafood.

Growing Global Demand for Certified Seafood

Amanda Lejbowicz, Head of Fisheries Standard Accessibility at MSC London, noted that over 15% of the world’s total marine catch now comes from certified fisheries. She added that demand for certified seafood, including canned, chilled, frozen, and baby food products, is increasing, with canned seafood witnessing a 9% rise in demand last year.

As sustainability gains importance in global trade, eco-labeling has become essential for market access, competitiveness, and export growth. “International buyers, especially in Europe, the US, and Japan, are increasingly demanding certified sustainable seafood,” Lejbowicz emphasized. Currently, 63 countries actively engage in MSC certification, a number expected to rise.

Integrating Sustainability into Education

Dr. Sunil Mohamed, renowned marine scientist and Chairman of SSNI, stressed the need to incorporate sustainability certification and auditing into university fisheries curricula. He stated that this would help ensure a steady supply of skilled professionals in the field.

The Marine Stewardship Council (MSC) is an international non-profit organization that sets globally recognized standards for sustainable fishing and the seafood supply chain. India’s entry into MSC certification will mark a major milestone in its journey towards responsible fisheries and enhanced seafood exports.