Mon Oct 06 22:57:00 UTC 2025: Okay, here’s a summary of the text followed by a news article based on that information:

**Summary:**

Around ten Indian marine and saline fish and shrimp varieties are on track to receive Marine Stewardship Council (MSC) certification, with the first batch expected to be submitted in 2026. The certification, subsidized by the Indian government under the Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana (PMMSY), is expected to boost fisheries sector revenue by 30%, open new markets (especially in Europe and Japan), and promote sustainable fishing practices. The process involves addressing technical gaps and is based on FAO guidelines. MSC certification often leads to a price premium of up to 30% in international markets, benefiting Indian seafood exporters and fishermen. Several species are currently in advanced stages of assessment. Stakeholders believe this will enhance India’s bargaining power and market penetration in the global seafood trade.

**News Article:**

**Indian Seafood Set for Sustainability Boost with MSC Certification**

*New Delhi, October 7, 2025* – India’s seafood industry is poised for significant growth and enhanced global competitiveness as approximately ten varieties of marine and saline fish and shrimp are expected to receive Marine Stewardship Council (MSC) certification. The first submissions are slated for 2026.

According to fisheries experts, the coveted MSC label could increase revenue in the fisheries sector by as much as 30%. This opens doors to lucrative markets in Europe and Japan, where consumers increasingly demand sustainably sourced seafood.

“Sustainability is part of our fisheries,” stated Fisheries Development Commissioner K. Mohammed Koya. “The certification process, subsidized by the Union Government under the Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana (PMMSY), will ensure that our fish get a better price and access to the best markets.”

The MSC certification process is conducted by third-party auditors, assessing fisheries against rigorous sustainability standards based on the Food and Agriculture Organisation’s (FAO) guidelines. While certain technical adjustments are still being made, experts are optimistic about the impending certification.

Ranjit Suseelan, India head of the MSC, recently highlighted the advanced stages of assessment for prioritised fisheries. Those currently under the fisheries improvement project of the MSC include gillnet-caught blue swimming crab, trawl-caught karikadi shrimp, and several other varieties of shrimp, squid, cuttlefish, and octopus. Other species with certification goals are Grouper fish, skipjack tuna, spiny lobster, oil sardine, Ashtamudi-clam, and Mud crab.

Seafood Exporters Association of India (SEAI) representative Abraham Tharakan believes that MSC certification will help India overcome trade barriers and strengthen its position in the global market. “Eco-labels and sustainability certifications help enhance acceptance among consumers with a strong market penetration. This will boost India’s bargaining power in the global trade of seafood,” he stated.

Dr. Sunil Mohamed, Chairman of the Sustainable Seafood Network India (SSNI), emphasized that the voluntary eco-label assures sustainability. “20% of global fisheries are MSC certified at present. Ashtamudi clam was the first variety to get MSC certification and i was lapsed. it’s going to be re- certified now. This certification will ensure that there is sufficient stock of he fish so that the fishery can be continued,” he added.

With MSC-certified products fetching up to a 30% price premium in international markets, the future looks bright for India’s sustainably certified seafood industry.

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