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Time of India

Kerala fisheries sector urged to modernize and adopt sustainable development

Kochi: A roundtable conference of fisheries sector, including experts from industries and organizations, stressed the need for transformation in the state's seafood sector. They emphasized modernization and sustainable development approaches at the meeting held at Central Marine Fisheries Research Institute (CMFRI) on Friday. The meeting was a precursor to International Fisheries Tech Expo 2025 to be held in Mumbai on June 12 and 13. Issues including market instability, product enhancement, environmental changes, excessive fishing and international trade restrictions were discussed at the meeting on 'Reassessing the Fisheries and Aquaculture Sector with a Focus on Kerala and the Newer Challenges in National and International Marketing'. The consensus indicated that despite Kerala's historical prominence in India's seafood exports, recent developments in aquaculture and global policies diminished its position. "Kerala was once the capital of seafood exports. But today, its processing units lie idle," said Seafood Exporters Association of India (SEAI) secretary general KN Raghavan. ABAD Fisheries Pvt Ltd managing director Anwar Hashim identified key factors contributing to the sector's decline. "Overfishing, juvenile fishing, bottom trawling, pollution and climate change are choking the ocean. The way forward is to reduce fishing pressure, stop bottom trawling and start large-scale aquaculture — especially along Kerala's coast," Hashim said. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Secure Your Child's Future with Strong English Fluency Planet Spark Learn More Undo He advocated for govt support in prawn and fish farming to maintain seafood facilities. "Over 90% of our exports are raw products. It's time to move up the value chain, via innovation-led value addition," he said. Officials from Marine Products Export Development Authority presented comprehensive findings on Kerala's capabilities and strategies for strengthening its fisheries sector. They presented state action plan to boost fisheries exports.