Bangalore, June 23, 2024 – The Indian Marine Ingredients Association (IMIA) organized a one-day workshop titled “Pathway to Sustainable Fishery on the Indian Coast” at the Ritz Carlton, Bangalore, with techical support from the Marine Trust, UK and academic support from KUFOS. The event underscored the critical need for sustainable policies in the fisheries sector to ensure the long-term existence and prosperity of India’s fisheries and coastal regions.
Mr. Mohammed Davood Sait, President of IMIA, welcomed the participants and set the right background for a day of insightful discussions.
Keynote speaker, Dr. Nicola Clark, Impact Manager, Marine Trust emphasized the pathways to achieving sustainable fisheries and the importance of certification for the industry. She highlighted how certification can help to maintain ecological balance and enhance market credibility.
Dr. T. Pradeepkumar, Vice Chancellor of Kerala University of Fisheries and Ocean Studies (KUFOS), expressed his concerns over illegal fishing activities and stressed the importance of educating the stakeholders about sustainability. He called for increased awareness and stricter enforcement of sustainable practices footing on to the FAO code of conduct for responsible fisheries.
Dr. Rajkumar Naik, Deputy Director, Marine Products Export Development Authority (MPEDA), voiced concerns about the declining fish catches along the Indian coast.
Dr. Shivakumar Magadha, Professor, College of Fisheries, Mangalore highlighted the urgent need for effective policies to address this issues and support the livelihoods of fishermen.
Dr. Dinesh Kaippilly, Registrar and Dean, KUFOS spoke on the necessity of the cooperation of all stakeholder communities to ensure the sustainability and profitability of the fisheries sector. He emphasized that timely regulations and robust policy frameworks are crucial for maintaining the health of marine ecosystems and supporting the industry.
Mr. Mohammed Davood Sait, President of IMIA elaborated on the association’s efforts to promote sustainability within India’s fisheries sector. He outlined IMIA’s initiatives and collaborative efforts aimed at ensuring the long-term viability of the industry. Mr.Davood also emphasized that IMIA and fish feed industry should work hand in hand towards attaining the sustainability of the fisheries sector. Such an association can bring in fruitful results in ensuring the high quality inputs and products in a cost effective manner.
The workshop also featured discussions on the sustainability of fisheries and the need for industry-wide certification. Industry representatives and stakeholders from the fish meal sector shared their perspectives, underscoring the collective responsibility to adopt sustainable practices.
The event concluded with a call to action for all stakeholders to engage in sustainable practices and support the implementation of effective policies to safeguard the future of India’s fisheries and coastal ecosystems.
