Keralam’s Seafood Sustainability Plan Boosts Global Exports

Keralam’s seafood sector has unveiled a significant sustainability initiative, integrating a draft state fisheries management plan with a new digital tracking framework. This strategic move aims to fortify responsible fishing practices and expand the state’s presence in the global seafood market.

These developments were announced during an annual stakeholder consultation on Willingdon Island, organized by the Seafood Exporters Association of India (SEAI). The event gathered government officials, marine scientists, seafood exporters, and various sustainability organizations.

Implementing Sustainable Fishing Measures

A central agreement among stakeholders involves pursuing Marine Stewardship Council (MSC) certification for Keralam’s crucial shrimp and cephalopod fisheries. This certification signifies a commitment to sustainable and well-managed fishing practices.

The Draft Kerala State Fisheries Management Plan, developed by scientists at the ICAR-Central Marine Fisheries Research Institute (CMFRI), introduces several science-based rules:

• Harvest control rules to manage fish stocks effectively.
• Gear restrictions specifically designed to prevent the overfishing of juvenile fish.
• Measures aimed at improving the long-term productivity of marine resources.

SEAI CEO K.N. Raghavan underlined the critical role of this unified framework for Keralam seafood to maintain its competitive edge and international compliance. He highlighted the increasing demand from global retailers for certified sustainable seafood, making responsible practices essential for market access.

Enhancing Traceability and Enforcement

To bolster traceability and compliance, the Marine Products Export Development Authority (MPEDA) will implement mandatory online registration for local fish dealers and aggregators next month. This system will create a digital audit trail from coastal landing centers directly to seafood processing plants.

Concurrently, the Kerala Fisheries Department is deploying advanced tools to ensure adherence to new regulations:

• Digital trawl footprint tracking for monitoring fishing vessel movements.
• A mobile enforcement application to streamline regulatory oversight.
• Mandatory use of square-mesh codends to protect juvenile fish stocks from premature capture.

Technological Advancements and Market Access

Innovations supported by the MSC Ocean Stewardship Fund and presented by the ICAR-Central Institute of Fisheries Technology (ICAR-CIFT) have shown promising results. Modified trawl gear has demonstrated significant reductions in fuel consumption, carbon emissions, and non-target bycatch within the deep-sea fleet.

Stakeholders also emphasized the urgent need to accelerate the adoption of Turtle Excluder Devices (TEDs). Implementing TEDs is crucial for Keralam’s fleet to meet global benchmarks, thereby facilitating full access to the lucrative US market for wild-caught shrimp.

Funding and Future Outlook

The SEAI intends to secure Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) funds from public sector enterprises like Cochin Shipyard, along with support from the Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana (PMMSY). These funds will finance crucial initiatives, including vessel upgrades, certification costs, and community outreach programs.

The draft fisheries management plan is slated for submission to the Keralam government for final policy endorsement. Furthermore, a multi-agency scientific data-sharing agreement and coastal capacity-building programs are scheduled to commence next month, signaling the next phase of this comprehensive sustainability drive.