Friday, 13 June 2025
Diverse stakeholders unite to position India’s first inland fishery for MSC sustainability certification
In a significant step toward sustainable fisheries management, a consortium of fishery scientists, policymakers, industry representatives, and community leaders has launched a joint initiative to secure global sustainability certification for Chilika Lake’s mud crab fishery. The move aims to make Chilika the first inland fishery in India to be earmarked for certification under the internationally acclaimed Marine Stewardship Council (MSC) programme.
The certification process, officially initiated on Wednesday, seeks to enhance the marketability of Chilika’s mud crab in international markets, while ensuring long-term ecological balance and supporting the livelihoods of thousands dependent on this vital resource.
Chilika Lake, Asia’s largest brackish water lagoon and a UNESCO-recognized biodiversity hotspot, plays a crucial role in India’s inland fishery sector. The MSC certification, once achieved, will position the lake’s mud crab fishery as a model for responsible and sustainable fishing practices. The MSC ecolabel is a globally respected mark that promotes sustainable fisheries by ensuring robust stock management, minimal environmental impact, and effective governance.
The initiative is being spearheaded by the ICAR-Central Inland Fisheries Research Institute (CIFRI) in Barrackpore, the Chilika Development Authority (CDA), and the Sustainable Seafood Network of India (SSNI). At a stakeholder workshop hosted by ICAR-CIFRI, participants identified key areas of collaboration, research priorities, and prerequisites necessary for advancing the certification process.
“Sustainable fisheries management is crucial for preserving the ecological balance of Chilika Lake and ensuring the livelihoods of communities dependent on it,” said Dr. Basanta Kumar Das, Director of CIFRI. He highlighted the mounting pressures on inland fisheries from climate change, habitat degradation, overfishing, and pollution, calling for science-driven, community-led solutions.
Dr. Sunil Mohamed, Chair of SSNI and former Principal Scientist at ICAR-Central Marine Fisheries Research Institute, emphasized the dual ecological and economic benefits of MSC certification. “Global certification will help achieve better market access and premium prices in export markets. The process not only ensures sustainable fish stocks but also minimizes environmental impacts and enhances management,” he said.
India is currently in the final stages of certifying a dozen marine fish species under the MSC programme. Chilika’s mud crab fishery represents a pioneering inland counterpart in this national effort. The initial fishery assessment is being supported through the MSC’s Ocean Stewardship Fund.
The workshop concluded with a roadmap outlining the certification process, strategies for deeper community engagement, and action plans for environmental restoration and mitigation. Stakeholders agreed to prioritize additional inland fish species for future MSC certification, reinforcing a long-term vision of sustainable inland fisheries across the country.
