Expects easy export market access and premium prices

India is moving closer to secure global Marine Stewardship Council (MSC) certification for 10 of its marine fisheries and the first is expected to apply for full certification in 2026.

Experts who are involved in the process said that addressing of technical gaps including stock assessments for the ten fisheries for shrimps, squid, cuttlefish, octopus are in the final stage, waiting to enter MSC. They were speaking at a technical session jointly hosted by Marine Stewardship Council (MSC), Sustainable Seafood Network India (SSNI), and the Seafood Exporters Association of India (SEAI) at the World Food India here on Friday. “The prioritized fisheries are in advanced stages of assessment, raising expectations of MSC certification in the next year”, said Dr Ranjit Suseelan of MSC India.

Premium price up to 30 per cent

Citing global trends, he said the MSC certified products often fetch a price premium of up to 30 per cent in international markets, boosting India’s seafood export potential.

The certification drive is being backed by national research institutes such as Central Marine Fisheries Research Institute (CMFRI) and Central Institute of Fisheries Technology (CIFT) and agencies such as SEAI.

Centre plans to fund future certification

On the occasion, the Union Department of Fisheries announced its plan to allocate special funds for helping the country secure such globally recognized certification and traceability in future through PMSSY 2.0. “The Department of Fisheries (DoF) is actively considering financial allocation for conducting research, assessment and documentation required for the certification”, said Dr Nilesh Pawar, an official with the DoF.

This move is expected to be a game-changer in ensuring both sustainability and enhanced market value for India seafood.

According to officials, wild-capture fishery certification process includes investments in research, monitoring, and capacity-building to meet rigorous international standards.

Commenting on the research part, CMFRI Director Dr Grinson George said the institute is committed to supporting the research required for sustainable certification. “This will ensure the fisheries resources are assessed and managed on par with global standards”, he said.

Certification and US Tariff

Seafood exporters pointed out that internationally certified seafood would enable India to overcome trade barriers in global markets, such as the stringent tariffs imposed by the United States on Indian seafood products. “Eco-labels and sustainability certifications help enhance acceptance among consumers with a strong market penetration. This will boost India’s bargaining power in the global trade of seafood”, Abraham Tharakan of SEAI said.

Citing a global study, Michael Marriott, MSC Programme Director said that 37.7% of global fish stocks are overfished, a three-fold increase since 1974. “Fisheries certified to the MSC standard are consistently more abundant and better managed than non-certified stocks.”, he said.

Vinod Malayilethu, Associate Programme Director said the certification will also be beneficial to the small-scale fishers in the country.

Dr Sunil Mohamed, Chairman of SSNI was the moderator of the discussion.