India’s government is pushing to get international ecolabelling certification for Lakshadweep’s tuna fisheries, aiming to boost seafood exports and support sustainable practices. These fisheries use traditional pole-and-line and hand-line methods that keep the ocean ecosystem healthy.
Union Fisheries Minister Rajiv Ranjan Singh shared this update during a meeting in Kochi on Saturday. He called ecolabelling and traceability the next major steps for India’s fisheries sector. “Lakshadweep tuna comes from eco-friendly fishing that barely harms marine life,” Singh said. “This certification could open doors to high-end global markets, leading to better prices and more income for local fishers.”
The gathering focused on growing Lakshadweep’s tuna, seaweed, and ornamental fisheries. Singh stressed how ecolabelling would not just increase earnings but also safeguard traditional fishing ways for island communities. He also spotlighted the huge promise of seaweed farming and ornamental fish businesses, which could create jobs especially for women and local groups.
To promote sustainable fishing, the central government is creating new laws for India’s Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) and high seas. They’re working closely with coastal states and union territories on this.
Experts from NITI Aayog, the Marine Products Export Development Authority (MPEDA), Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) institutes, and NABARD joined the event. The National Fisheries Development Board (NFDB) and Fishery Survey of India (FSI) organized it together.
Lakshadweep Administrator Praful Patel highlighted the islands’ 4,000 square kilometers of lagoons as perfect for seaweed cultivation. “Lakshadweep could become a worldwide leader in seaweed farming, opening fresh opportunities for residents,” Patel added.
Union Minister of State George Kurian and Fisheries Secretary Abhilaksh Likhi also spoke at the meeting.
Earlier that day, Likhi met with fishers at Cochin Fishing Harbour. He urged them to embrace modern post-harvest tools like cold chains, smart packaging, and value-added processing. “These changes will cut down on waste, improve fish quality, and help fishers get fairer prices,” Likhi explained.
During a review of upgrades at Thoppumpady harbour, Likhi told officials to finish the work on schedule to support better fisheries infrastructure.
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