MPEDA to certify EU marine exports

The Marine Products Export Development Authority (MPEDA) will be the nodal agency to issue catch certificates for exporting marine products to Europe, as stipulated by the European Union (EU).

This decision was taken at a high-level meeting held today at the behest of the Union ministry of commerce. The procedure for issue of the certificates would be finalised in a meeting, on November 11, of secretaries of fisheries of all maritime states, MPEDA, the Seafood Exporters Association of India and other related bodies.

Meanwhile, this Tuesday, European fisheries’ ministers have agreed on a new control regime to prevent illegal fishing across the EU.

There have to be catch certificates with each consignment exported to Europe. This will be strictly implemented from January 1.

The EU agreement includes penalty points system whereby repeat offenders could have their fishing licences suspended and permanently withdrawn. EU member states whose fishing fleets are persistent offenders could also have EU funding withheld.

There will also be new controls on recreational fishing, if it is considered to threaten endangered stocks.