Promoting Fisheries Sustainability amid US Trade Pressures

Trade Tensions and Fisheries

The US has imposed sustainability-linked trade restrictions on seafood, motivating exporters to meet stricter standards.

Indian exporters face non‑tariff barriers, certification demands, and traceability requirements.

Importance of Sustainability in Fisheries

Overfishing, habitat loss (mangroves, coral reefs) and climate change threaten marine stocks.

Small-scale fishers often lack resources to meet certification norms or invest in eco-friendly practices.

Key Policy Measures Under Consideration

Incentivizing sustainable fisheries: subsidies, technical assistance for eco‑friendly gear, certification support.

Institutional mechanisms: fisher cooperatives, certification agencies, traceability systems.

Research and monitoring: stock assessments, marine spatial planning, habitat restoration.

Export linkages: aligning Indian standards with global benchmarks (e.g. MSC, GSSI).

Challenges

Cost burden on small fishers to upgrade practices without losing income.

Enforcement and monitoring in extensive marine zones.

Coordination across states, maritime zones, coastal communities, and export agencies.

Dependence on global markets vulnerable to trade disruptions.

Way Forward

Public-private partnerships to enable sustainable infrastructure (cold chains, processing).

Capacity building for fishers to earn “sustainability premium.”

Integrated coastal zone management to preserve habitats.

Diplomatic engagement to negotiate trade norms rather than just comply.

Conclusion

India’s fisheries sector must transition from volume to value, embedding sustainability to withstand external pressures and enhance resilience.