September 18, 2024

 

India's MPEDA acts against unsustainable fishmeal processor in Karnataka

 
 


India's Marine Products Export Development Authority (MPEDA) has cancelled the certificate of registration for a fishmeal processor in Karnataka, southwest of the country, citing unsustainable and illegal export practices, The Hindu reported.

 

The action, taken under Section 36 of the MPEDA Rules 1972, is aimed at addressing unsustainable activities in the sector.

 

The move has been supported by the Indian Marine Ingredients Association. On Monday, 16 September, the Association's president, Mohamed Dawood Sait, welcomed the action, stating that the Indian fishmeal industry is working towards responsible practices among all processors. He emphasised that penalising non-compliant units, such as the one targeted by MPEDA, is essential for the industry's progress towards full sustainability.

 

Sait highlighted that India's fishmeal industry is the third largest globally and has successfully entered the Chinese market. He also pointed out that international conventions now require all fishmeal producers to obtain certification for the source of their fishmeal by 2025. According to Sait, members of the Association use low-value and discarded catch, accidentally obtained by trawlers, as raw materials for processing.

 

The fishmeal industry supports fishermen by purchasing fish that hold no commercial value. This low value catch, often a significant portion of the total fishing haul, is processed into fishmeal, according to Sait.

 

In August, tensions arose along the Kerala coast due to conflicts between traditional fishermen and those engaged in juvenile fishing and pelagic trawling. Traditional fishermen seized boats and fishing gear, accusing those involved of unsustainable practices. The intervention of authorities is expected to promote a more peaceful resolution of the issues.

 

A group of traditional fishermen has also written to the Chief Minister, urging him to take direct action against juvenile fishing and other unsustainable practices in the region.

 

- The Hindu

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