PANAJI (GOA): Six key fishery societies, fishmeal producers and aquatic feed manufacturers today signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), to support Fisheries Improvement Project (FIP) as part of their strong intention to promote sustainability in the supply chain of fisheries and related products along the coastal sate of Goa state and Ratnagiri district of Maharashtra.
The associations and private sectors include Ratnadurga Macchimar Society, Adarsh Machchimar Society, Mandovi Fishermen Marketing Co-op Society Ltd, Vasco Fishing Boat Owners Marketing Co-Op Society Ltd, Zuari Fishermen Marketing Co-Operative Society Ltd, Cutband Boat Owners Development Society, Omega Fishmeal and Oil Private Limited and CPF (India) Private Limited. The signing ceremony was witnessed by concerned government agencies as well as non-government organisations, which comprised of Department of Fisheries, Central Institute of Fishing Technology, Ratnagiri Fisheries College and representatives from Sustainable Fisheries Partnership (SFP).
The launch of FIP project will focus on Indian oil sardines on the west coast of India confined in the coastal state of Goa and Ratnagiri district of Maharashtra. The MoU aims at improving efficiency of fisheries management and governance, fostering food safety, environmental responsibility and transparent traceability of fisheries products throughout the supply chain, promoting sustainability in the fisheries products supply chain to meet with international standards.
In addition, the project will be guided by the International Fishmeal and Fish Oil Organisation (IFFO) UK, which is an international non-profit organisation representing fishmeal and fish oil producers around the world. The organisation will also certify responsible practices in terms of the sustainability aspects of raw material sourcing and the safe production of fishmeal and fish oil ingredients, which may be used for aquaculture, agriculture and consumer product purpose.
Sandesh Surve, chairman of Ratnadurga Macchimar Society said that the MoU draws to present strong intention among all stakeholders in the seafood industry to protect marine resources.
“It is very encouraging to see that the processing industry has come forward to have an FIP for Indian oil sardine. Indian oil sardine fishery is a very important fishery for the state of Goa. Together with mackerel it contributes to about 50% of the total marine fish catch of the state. It is a power packed fish, rich in protein and omega 3 fatty acids and is called the provider for the fisherman,” said Dr. Sharmila Monterio Director of Fisheries, Goa.