Why in news?

• About 10 Indian marine and saline fish and shrimp varieties are set to receive MSC certification by 2026.
• This development is expected to enhance seafood exports by opening new global markets, including Europe and Japan, and boosting fisheries sector revenue by an estimated 30%.
• The Indian government supports this initiative under the Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana (PMMSY) by subsidizing the certification costs to promote sustainable fishing practices.

Key Features

• The MSC is an international non-profit organization that sets science-based standards for sustainable fisheries and traceable seafood supply chains.
• Certification is open to all wild-capture fisheries, regardless of location or size, provided they voluntarily undergo third-party assessments.
• The MSC certification is valid for five years, with annual surveillance audits required to maintain compliance.
• Three core principles of MSC are Health of fish stocks, Environmental impacts, Effective management

• It supports differentiation in competitive marketplaces, reinforces eco-conscious branding, and bolsters community trust.

• India’s Astamudi clam fishery (Paphia malabarica) became the first to obtain MSC certification, with other native species set to follow.

Criticisms and Challenges

• The MSC has faced criticism regarding the high costs of certification, its financial ties to the fishing industry, and potential conflicts of interest in the assessment process.
• Certification itself is voluntary, but essential for those seeking to sell products under the MSC label.

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