International IOTC-FSI workshop on species identification begins in Kochi
Published: Sep 30, 2025
By TIOLCorplaws News Service
KOCHI, SEP 30, 2025: HIGHLIGHTING India's efforts to strengthen its fisheries data management system, Union Fisheries Secretary Dr. Abhilaksh Likhi has said that the government will soon come up with an onboard electronic observer system for remote monitoring and recording of marine fish catch. This is aimed at providing accurate scientific data for stock assessment and management by observing fishing operations across various vessel types, he said.
The Fisheries Secretary was speaking after inaugurating a five-day global workshop on species identification organized by the Indian Ocean Tuna Commission (IOTC) and Fishery Survey of India (FSI) here on Monday.
Electronic monitoring and efficient data collection on tuna and tuna-like fish catches and fishing activities are critical to improve the management of these fisheries in accordance with the IOTC guidelines, which mandates observer coverage and electronic monitoring. The e-observer is being developed by the FSI, under the Fisheries Ministry.
Apart from a conservation tool, science-backed credible data is India's strongest defense against non-tariff barriers and allegations, the Secretary said. “It is the passport that secures our access to international markets and protects our fishers and exporters from trade challenges by ensuring them a level playing field in export markets”, Dr. Likhi added.
On the government's intervention in this direction the Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana (PMMSY), the Secretary said that nearly 36000 fishing vessels have been equipped with transponders for real-time monitoring.
Since tunas, tuna-like species and pelagic sharks are highly migratory resources, India is committed to join hands for a regional and international cooperation in data collection and management, Dr. Likhi said, adding that the country would take steps for long-term sustainability of its fisheries while protecting the livelihoods of millions dependent on the sector.
Call to revisit global quota system
Flagging concern over the existing global quota allocation system for commercial tuna fishing, Central Marine Fisheries Research Institute (CMFRI) Director Dr Grinson George stressed the need for revising the system to ensure a higher, unbiased quota for developing nations like India. He stressed the need for a well-developed cold chain infrastructure to boost tuna export, saying that this would enable the preservation of tuna quality, reduce spoilage, and increase the competitiveness of Indian tuna in the global market.
This workshop will address the critical need for robust data collection and species identification to ensure reliable stock assessments in India's tuna and allied species fisheries”, said IOTC Secretariat Member Lauren Nelson.
Fisheries experts and officials from 12 nations, including Japan, France, Thailand, Indonesia, Malaysia and South Africa and 18 officials from various coastal states of India are attending the workshop.
Centre for Marine Living Resources and Ecology (CMLRE) Head Dr R S Maheskumar, FSI Director General Dr Sreenath K R and Zonal Director Dr Sijo Varghese spoke on the occasion.
