In a pivotal move towards bolstering sustainable fisheries practices in Kerala, the ICAR-Central Marine Fisheries Research Institute (CMFRI) has teamed up with the Seafood Exporters Association of India (SEAI). The collaborative effort seeks to provide technical expertise and support for the sustainable harvest of 11 selected shrimp and cephalopod trawl fishery resources.
The Initiative in Focus:
The CMFRI will spearhead a consultancy research project with a clear mandate: to assess the stock health and fishery performance of a diverse range of aquatic species. This includes popular catches such as the Kiddi (Karikadi) shrimp, Flower Tail (Poovalan) shrimp, Red Ring Deep-Sea shrimp, Nylon shrimp, Deep-Sea non-penaid shrimp, Squid, Cuttlefish, Octopus, Ribbon Fish, and two species of Threadfin Breams.
Sealing the Agreement:
The collaboration was formally cemented through the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on June 19, 2023. Dr. A Gopalakrishnan, Director of CMFRI, and A J Tharakan of SEAI put their signatures on this pivotal agreement, ushering in a new era of sustainable fisheries management in the region
Project Objectives:
- The consultancy research project is underpinned by a series of crucial objectives, including:
- Stock Assessment: Evaluating the health and viability of the selected species’ populations to ensure sustainability.
- Fishery Performance Analysis: Scrutinizing the performance of fisheries targeting these resources, including factors such as catch rates and fishing efforts.
- Setting Management Targets: Establishing targeted levels for fisheries management to ensure sustainable exploitation of these vital marine resources.
- Bycatch Reporting: Documenting and addressing the incidental capture of species like sawfish, guitarfish, and juvenile sharks in Kerala’s trawl fishery.
- Indicative Management Actions: Providing recommendations for management actions aimed at maintaining sustainable fishing practices.
Global Perspective:
Dr. A Gopalakrishnan, Director of CMFRI, emphasized the global shift towards informed, healthy, and sustainable seafood consumption among consumers. It is in this context that ensuring seafood originates from sustainable fisheries becomes imperative. Enhanced management programs are poised to not only benefit the environment but also open doors for the marine fisheries sector to access seafood markets worldwide more effectively.
Tailored Approaches:
The research project will prioritize the application of models tailored to the unique life-history patterns of the selected species. This tailored approach acknowledges the distinct characteristics and behavior of each species, essential for effective fisheries management. Additionally, the project seeks to strengthen the existing database on bycatch, providing valuable insights into incidental catches and their impact on non-target species.
As this collaborative effort unfolds, it represents a significant stride towards promoting sustainable fisheries management in Kerala. By assessing stock health, fishery performance, and setting management targets, this initiative aims to ensure the long-term sustainability of 11 crucial marine resources. Moreover, it aligns with the global trend towards sustainable seafood consumption, contributing to environmental conservation and the prosperity of the fishing industry.
