Marine Stewardship Council (MSC) Certification
Context:
About 10 Indian marine and saline fish and shrimp varieties are set to get the global Marine Stewardship Council (MSC) certification soon.
The first batch is expected to be submitted for certification in 2026.
Basics of MSC Certification:
The MSC certification is a global standard for sustainable fishing.
It is based on the Food and Agriculture Organization's (FAO) Code of Conduct for Responsible Fishing and Guidelines for the Eco-labelling of Fish and Fishery Products from Marine Capture Fisheries.
The certification process is carried out by third-party auditors.
Significance for India:
The certification is expected to increase the revenue of the fisheries sector by 30%.
It will help fishermen and traders find new markets.
This is particularly in affluent regions like Europe and Japan that are increasingly looking for sustainably sourced seafood.
This is especially important in light of potential trade restrictions and higher tariffs from the U.S.
The certification will also help fishing communities adopt ecologically sustainable fishing practices & ensures a steady income in the long run.
The Union Government, under the Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana (PMMSY), will subsidise the certification process to support the fisheries sector.