IMIA Marks Second Milestone in National Sustainability Initiative with Integration of Maharashtra-Goa FIPs
The Indian Marine Ingredients Association (IMIA) today announced an important second milestone in its national sustainability initiative with the integration of the MAHARASHTRA-GOA SMALL PELAGIC FIP and INDIAN WESTCOAST MULTI SPECIES TRAWLER FIP into IMIA’s national framework for responsible fisheries development.
The announcement was made at a press meet held in the presence of industry leaders, association representatives, and stakeholders from various coastal regions. The event highlighted IMIA’s continued commitment to building a unified and credible sustainability platform for India’s marine ingredients sector.
IMIA, the national representative body of the Indian marine ingredients industry, has been actively promoting the sustainable development of the fishmeal and fish oil (FMFO) sector through responsible sourcing, improved resource utilization, scientific management, and strong collaboration among all stakeholders.
The marine ingredients sector plays a significant role in the national economy while supporting the livelihoods of thousands of fishers, workers, processors, and others across the fisheries value chain. The industry utilizes low-value, short-lived, naturally abundant pelagic fish species, along with fish processing by-products, unavoidable bycatch, and post-harvest losses, thereby contributing to resource efficiency and the circular economy.
IMIA has been strongly advocating the vision of “One India — One Fishery Improvement Project (FIP)” to create a harmonized national framework that enhances India’s credibility in international markets, improves access to sustainability-focused buyers, reduces duplication of efforts, and establishes a coordinated pathway for responsible fisheries management across the country.
Statement by Dr, Mohamed Dawood Sait, President, IMIA
“It is a moment of great pride to witness the second milestone being achieved today with the integration of Maharashtra-Goa Small Pelagic FIP and Maharashtra Westcoast, Trawler Recent FIP into IMIA, which will soon be extended to Tamil Nadu through the proposed West Coast and East Coast FIPs.”
On this occasion, Mr. Manoj Kushe of OMEGA FISHMEAL AND OIL COMPANY associated himself with this important initiative, extending support to IMIA’s efforts to create a nationally coordinated Fishery Improvement Project structure for India’s marine fisheries and marine ingredients sector.
This integration marks a major development in India’s fisheries sustainability journey and represents a strategic shift from fragmented efforts to a broader coordinated national platform. It also lays the foundation for future expansion into additional coastal states, including Tamil Nadu,under the proposed West Coast and East Coast FIPs.
Representatives from IMIA and industry stakeholders from different regions reiterated the need for collective action, stakeholder cooperation, and nationally aligned sustainability measures to ensure the long-term future of India’s marine fisheries and marine ingredients industry.
IMIA reaffirmed its commitment to working with industry participants, fishers, processors, exporters, technical experts, and government stakeholders to promote sustainable fisheries and strengthen India’s standing in global marine ingredients and seafood markets.
