Fourth edition of the international symposium on marine ecosystem (MECOS-4) scheduled to be held in Kochi from November 4 -6 will feature a major industry meet aimed to address critical issues in seafood production.

Organised jointly by the Marine Biological Association of India (MBAI) and ICAR-Central Marine Fisheries Research Institute (CMFRI), the symposium will discuss challenges and opportunities in the marine fisheries sector.

The Industry Meet, a special session within the symposium, will bring together leading stakeholders from seafood trade, aquaculture, hatcheries, feed industries, ornamental fish trade, marine eco-tourism, and environmental education.

Scientists-Farmers-Industry Linkage

CMFRI Director Dr Grinson George said the industry meet is expected to lead to better collaboration between farmers, exporters and input suppliers helping bridge the gap between production and market needs.

The event, to be held at 10 am on November 5, will focus on experience sharing, identifying critical gaps, and developing a roadmap for future growth across key marine sectors. It seeks to address the growing challenges in the sector, including U.S. tariff on seafood exports and lack of proper policy in mariculture.

“With global seafood markets becoming more competitive and sustainability standards tightening, such discussions are expected to help India’s marine industry enhance its export resilience, boost aquaculture production, technological adoption, and climate-smart practices”, Dr Grinson George said.

On the sideline of the MECOS 4, an exhibition will showcase the latest technologies in farming, hatchery production, feed management, value addition, and processing equipment offering a valuable learning experience for stakeholders across the value chain.

The deliberations will feature representatives from major export houses, Seafood Exporters Association of India (SEAI), aquaculture feed and fish meal industries, pet feed manufacturers, marine sports and eco-tourism operators, and government agencies.