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Time of India
a day ago
- Business
- Time of India
Kerala fisheries crisis: Seafood exporters seek govt support
Kochi: Seafood Exporters Association of India (SEAI), Kerala region, sought immediate govt assistance to address a severe crisis affecting the livelihoods of 1.4 million people in the state, following environmental difficulties and export-related challenges. SEAI Kerala president, Premachandra Bhat, said Kerala has declined from its position as the leading seafood exporter to fifth place, primarily due to environmental impacts. The state's 590km coastline and nine coastal districts have seen fishing days reduced from 300 to 100 annually. This reduction is attributed to poor weather, fishing restrictions and the current 52-day trawling ban until July 31. The situation worsens as foreign factory vessels from China and Taiwan continue illegal fishing during restricted periods, diminishing local marine resources. "We urgently need stronger coastal surveillance and regulatory enforcement. While our fishermen face strict restrictions, foreign vessels continue to plunder our seas unchecked," Bhat said. He emphasised the critical need for increased domestic production. "Shrimp is the crown jewel of our exports. But without adequate raw material, even the most advanced processing facility becomes nothing more than a silent warehouse," he warned, advocating for govt support in commercial aquaculture and sustainable shrimp farming. Bhat identified the implementation of Turtle Excluder Devices (TEDs) in trawl nets as a crucial priority, essential for marine conservation and maintaining access to environmentally conscious markets like the United States. "We have the technology. We have the necessary approvals. What we now need is administrative will—an urgent push to implement TEDs without further delay," he said. Global challenges, including transport disruptions, the Russia-Ukraine war, Middle East tensions and shipping route instability, are pressuring Indian seafood exporters to maintain competitiveness against China, Vietnam, Indonesia and Ecuador. Kerala's industry continues to advance through initiatives like the Plastic-Free Seas Project, where fishermen collect marine plastic waste for proper disposal. "This is a model for the nation. It proves that sustainable practices and profitability can go hand in hand," Bhat added. Women constitute 80% of Kerala's fish processing workforce, operating in over 850 peeling sheds and 100 processing units. Highlighting the sector's significance as a women-oriented industry in Kerala, SEAI said there is a need for year-round employment. The association requested improved access to working capital loans for raw material procurement during peak seasons and continuous processing in lean periods. "When you support this industry, you are not just protecting exports—you are empowering thousands of women and securing countless family incomes," he said, adding that the govt should utilise Kerala's NRI-supported banking system to provide targeted assistance for fish processing facilities.
India Gazette
19-05-2025
- General
- India Gazette
Operation Olivia: Indian Coast Guard protects over 6.98 lakh Olive Ridley Turtles along the Odisha coastline
New Delhi [India], May 19 (ANI): In a major boost to marine conservation, the Indian Coast Guard's (ICG) annual mission 'Operation Olivia' helped protect a record of over 6.98 lakh Olive Ridley turtles nested at the Rushikulya river mouth in Odisha during February 2025. Conducted annually from November to May, Operation Olivia is an important initiative of the ICG aimed at ensuring safe nesting grounds for Olive Ridley turtles particularly at Gahirmatha Beach and surrounding coastal areas of Odisha, which see the arrival of over eight lakh turtles each year. The record mass nesting at the Rushikulya river mouth in Odisha stands as a testament to the ICG's sustained efforts in safeguarding the endangered species through rigorous patrolling, aerial surveillance, and community engagement, a Defence Ministry release said. It said that since the inception of Operation Olivia, ICG has carried out over 5,387 surface patrol sorties and 1,768 aerial surveillance missions, significantly reducing threats such as illegal fishing and habitat disruption. During this period, 366 boats involved in illegal fishing were detained, reaffirming the ICG's strong enforcement role in protecting marine life. Apart from surveillance, ICG has actively worked with local fishing communities by promoting the use of Turtle Excluder Devices and partnering with NGOs through formal MoUs to support sustainable fishing practices and conservation education. This milestone underscores the effectiveness of sustained conservation efforts and reaffirms the need for continued monitoring and adaptive strategies to support long-term marine sustainability, ICG said. India's eastern coastline, particularly Gahirmatha Beach, Odisha, serves as a vital nesting ground for Olive Ridley Turtles, with over 8,00,000 turtles arriving annually. Threatened by illegal fishing, net entanglement, and habitat degradation, these species rely on ICG's vigilant enforcement and rescue operations to ensure their survival. (ANI)
NDTV
19-05-2025
- General
- NDTV
'Operation Olivia' Helps Protect 6.98 Lakh Olive Ridley Turtles In Odisha
New Delhi: In a major boost to marine conservation, the Indian Coast Guard's (ICG) annual mission 'Operation Olivia' helped protect a record of over 6.98 lakh Olive Ridley turtles nested at the Rushikulya river mouth in Odisha during February 2025. Conducted annually from November to May, Operation Olivia is an important initiative of the ICG aimed at ensuring safe nesting grounds for Olive Ridley turtles particularly at Gahirmatha Beach and surrounding coastal areas of Odisha, which see the arrival of over eight lakh turtles each year. The record mass nesting at the Rushikulya river mouth in Odisha stands as a testament to the ICG's sustained efforts in safeguarding the endangered species through rigorous patrolling, aerial surveillance, and community engagement, a Defence Ministry release said. It said that since the inception of Operation Olivia, ICG has carried out over 5,387 surface patrol sorties and 1,768 aerial surveillance missions, significantly reducing threats such as illegal fishing and habitat disruption. During this period, 366 boats involved in illegal fishing were detained, reaffirming the ICG's strong enforcement role in protecting marine life. Apart from surveillance, ICG has actively worked with local fishing communities by promoting the use of Turtle Excluder Devices and partnering with NGOs through formal MoUs to support sustainable fishing practices and conservation education. This milestone underscores the effectiveness of sustained conservation efforts and reaffirms the need for continued monitoring and adaptive strategies to support long-term marine sustainability, ICG said. India's eastern coastline, particularly Gahirmatha Beach, Odisha, serves as a vital nesting ground for Olive Ridley Turtles, with over 8,00,000 turtles arriving annually. Threatened by illegal fishing, net entanglement, and habitat degradation, these species rely on ICG's vigilant enforcement and rescue operations to ensure their survival.
Hindustan Times
19-05-2025
- General
- Hindustan Times
Indian Coast Guard's ‘Operation Olivia' protects over 6.98 lakh Olive Ridley Turtles
In a major boost to marine conservation, the Indian Coast Guard's (ICG) annual mission 'Operation Olivia' helped protect a record of over 6.98 lakh Olive Ridley turtles nested at the Rushikulya river mouth in Odisha during February 2025. Conducted annually from November to May, Operation Olivia is an important initiative of the ICG aimed at ensuring safe nesting grounds for Olive Ridley turtles particularly at Gahirmatha Beach and surrounding coastal areas of Odisha, which see the arrival of over eight lakh turtles each year. The record mass nesting at the Rushikulya river mouth in Odisha stands as a testament to the ICG's sustained efforts in safeguarding the endangered species through rigorous patrolling, aerial surveillance, and community engagement, a Defence Ministry release said. It said that since the inception of Operation Olivia, ICG has carried out over 5,387 surface patrol sorties and 1,768 aerial surveillance missions, significantly reducing threats such as illegal fishing and habitat disruption. During this period, 366 boats involved in illegal fishing were detained, reaffirming the ICG's strong enforcement role in protecting marine life. Apart from surveillance, ICG has actively worked with local fishing communities by promoting the use of Turtle Excluder Devices and partnering with NGOs through formal MoUs to support sustainable fishing practices and conservation education. This milestone underscores the effectiveness of sustained conservation efforts and reaffirms the need for continued monitoring and adaptive strategies to support long-term marine sustainability, ICG said. India's eastern coastline, particularly Gahirmatha Beach, Odisha, serves as a vital nesting ground for Olive Ridley Turtles, with over 8,00,000 turtles arriving annually. Threatened by illegal fishing, net entanglement, and habitat degradation, these species rely on ICG's vigilant enforcement and rescue operations to ensure their survival.
The Hindu
29-04-2025
- Science
- The Hindu
ICAR-Central Institute of Fisheries Technology celebrates 68th Foundation Day
The 68th Foundation Day of the Visakhapatnam Research Centre of ICAR-Central Institute of Fisheries Technology (CIFT) was celebrated on its CIFT premises here on Tuesday. Head of Cyclone Warning Centre Visakhapatnam Bharati S. Sabade, who participated as chief guest, lauded the research contributions of ICAR-CIFT, which have significantly supported the fishing industry and various stakeholders in advancing the fisheries sector of the country. She also acknowledged the broader contributions of ICAR in the development of agriculture and allied fields across India. Earlier, Scientist-in-Charge and Principal Scientist of Visakhapatnam Research Centre of ICAR-CIFT U. Sreedhar, highlighted the Institute's major achievements in both the harvest and post-harvest sectors related to fisheries along the East Coast. He emphasised the innovative work carried out by the Visakhapatnam Centre, particularly in the areas of antimicrobial resistance (AMR), food safety, value-added fish products, deep-sea trawl resource exploration, implementation of Turtle Excluder Devices (TEDs), and the validation of tuna fishing advisories. As part of the Foundation Day celebrations, ICAR-CIFT honoured its senior-most retired staff members for their valuable contributions to the institute. A Hindi in-house magazine titled 'Matsyadhara', showcasing the research achievements and cultural talents of the staff, was released by the chief guest during the event. An Open House was organised where the Fishing Technology, Fish Processing, and Biotechnology laboratories were opened to students and the general public, encouraging scientific curiosity and engagement. A painting competition on the theme 'Life Below Water' was also conducted to promote awareness among the youth. Officials from the ICAR-CMFRI, FSI, CIFNET, NIFPHTT, EIA, MPEDA, NETFISH, NIO, and Andhra University participated in the celebrations. Earlier, Scientist at ICAR-CIFT Ahamed Basha welcomed the gathering and Senior Scientist proposed the vote of thanks. In connection with the 65th Foundation Day celebrations, various competitions were organised for the staff of ICAR-CIFT, Visakhapatnam Regional Centre. Mr. U. Sreedhar distributed prizes to the winners.
