NT Reporter
Panaji
The responsible utilisation of low-value bycatch from trawl fishing can help reduce wastage, improve resource use and provide an additional source of revenue for fishing communities, experts said at a workshop on the management of multispecies trawl fisheries held
in Goa.
The workshop, held on August 20 under the Indian West Coast Multispecies Trawl Fishery Improvement Project (FIP), focused on the scientific, environmental, management and socio-economic challenges associated with multispecies trawling along the Maharashtra and Goa coasts.
The discussions highlighted that, where scientifically assessed, responsibly managed and subject to appropriate safeguards, suitable low-value bycatch could be utilised for fishmeal production.
Experts pointed out that the multispecies nature of trawling results in the landing of a wide range of species, including fish with limited demand in the human-consumption market. Such catches often face challenges related to preservation, marketability and economic viability, leading to substantial quantities being discarded or underutilised.
Imran Mukadam, chairman of Adarsh Macchimar Society, Ratnagiri, stressed the need for clear and scientifically appropriate criteria to determine what proportion of bycatch could be
considered suitable for fishmeal production.
The workshop also examined the wider role of fishmeal in the aquaculture value chain and food security. Responsibly utilised fishery resources can be converted into fishmeal and other marine ingredients for aquaculture feeds, supporting farmed seafood production while creating opportunities for value addition within the fisheries sector.
The event was jointly organised by Omega Fishmeal and Oil Private Limited and TJ Marine Products Private Limited, Ratnagiri. It brought together representatives of the fisheries industry, fishermen’s societies from Mumbai, Ratnagiri and Goa, scientists and experts from the Central Marine Fisheries Research Institute (CMFRI) and Central Institute of Fisheries Technology (CIFT), the College of Fisheries, Ratnagiri, and officials of the Maharashtra and Goa Fisheries Departments.
The participants underlined that the success of a FIP would depend on sustained cooperation among government agencies, scientists, fishing communities, industry and other stakeholders.
A FIP provides a structured framework for strengthening data collection, scientific assessment, fisheries management, environmental performance, traceability and market access.
The workshop concluded with a call for continued cooperation, transparent management and science-based measures that balance resource sustainability and environmental responsibility with the livelihoods of fishing communities.
