Global Marine Stewardship Council (MSC) Certification for Indian Fisheries

About 10 Indian marine and saline fish and shrimp varieties are poised to receive the global Marine Stewardship Council (MSC) certification by 2026.

Benefits of MSC Certification

• The certification is expected to increase the revenue of India's fisheries sector by 30%.
• It enables fishermen and traders to access new markets beyond the U.S., especially amidst potential trade restrictions due to higher tariffs.
• Certification will promote ecologically sustainable fishing practices, ensuring steady incomes for fishing communities.

Government Support and Global Market Trends

• Under the Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana (PMMSY), the Indian government will subsidize the certification process.
• Affluent global markets like Europe and Japan are increasingly seeking sustainably sourced fish.

Current Progress and Varieties Under Assessment

• The certification process is in its advanced stages, focusing on addressing technical gaps like stock assessments for various species.
• Varieties under the fisheries improvement project include gillnet-caught blue swimming crab, trawl-caught karikadi shrimp, several types of trawl-caught Indian nylon shrimp, squid, cuttlefish, octopus, and more.

Outlook and Market Impact

• MSC-certified products can command a premium of up to 30% in international markets, enhancing India's seafood export potential.
• Eco-labels and sustainability certifications improve market acceptance and India's global bargaining power in seafood trade.

Additional Insights

• 20% of global fisheries are currently MSC certified.
• The Ashtamudi clam was the first variety to receive MSC certification in India, which is now due for re-certification.