Kochi, June 16 (IANS) India is moving towards a formal framework for certifying sustainable seafood, with the ICAR-Central Marine Fisheries Research Institute (CMFRI) drafting the country’s first National Guidelines for Marine Ecolabelling, a move aimed at improving export competitiveness while protecting the interests of fishing communities.

The draft discussion paper proposes a national mechanism to regulate and oversee marine ecolabelling programmes operating in India, at a time when global demand for sustainability-certified seafood is rapidly increasing.

Several international certification agencies are also looking to expand their presence in the Indian seafood sector.

Marine ecolabelling provides an assurance that fish and fishery products are sourced from responsibly managed and sustainable fisheries.

Such certification has become increasingly important in premium international markets, where buyers are demanding proof of environmental compliance and responsible sourcing.

A key feature of the proposed guidelines is the protection of traditional and small-scale fishing communities.

The CMFRI has highlighted that while ecolabelling can provide fishers access to premium markets and better returns, certification systems driven entirely by market forces could unintentionally exclude artisanal fishing communities.

To prevent this, the draft mandates that traditional and coastal fishing communities should have an equitable role in certification processes and benefit from sustainability initiatives.

The framework aims to ensure that legitimate stakeholders are not left behind as the seafood industry moves towards global sustainability standards.

The proposed guidelines also emphasise India’s sovereign rights over marine resources within its Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ).

All certification activities will have to comply with Indian fisheries laws, state-level regulations, biodiversity conservation norms, seafood safety standards, and coastal aquaculture rules.

The framework places special emphasis on traceability across the seafood value chain, ensuring that products reaching global markets can be linked back to responsible harvesting practices.

The move gains significance as India seeks to strengthen its position in the global seafood trade.

The guidelines also explore the possibility of developing an indigenous Indian marine ecolabel that can complement internationally recognised certification systems.

The initiative is expected to create a balance between environmental sustainability, export growth and livelihood security for millions dependent on marine fisheries.

–IANS

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