Carbon Footprint Reduction in Fisheries Sector
In demonstrating its commitment to addressing climate challenges in the fisheries sector, India has called for reducing carbon footprints as a pivotal step toward achieving climate-resilient fisheries. The proposal was presented during the inaugural session of the Sub-Committee on Fisheries Management under the Committee on Fisheries (COFI) of the Food and Agriculture Organisation of the United Nations (FAO).
During the global gathering, the ICAR-Central Marine Fisheries Research Institute (CMFRI) based in Kochi conveyed India’s statement on Climate-Resilient Fisheries. J Balaji, former Joint Secretary of the Department of Fisheries, Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry & Dairying, spearheaded the Indian delegation.
According to recent findings, the CO2 emission per kilogram of fish caught in India’s marine fisheries is 17.7% lower than the global average. India emphasized that, concerning climate change, the country falls within the medium to high impact category, projecting the overall impact by the year 2050.
The virtual meeting, conducted from FAO, Rome, witnessed participation from FAO Committee on Fisheries (COFI) members, one member organization, representatives from three specialized United Nations agencies, and observers from other FAO member nations and various intergovernmental and international non-governmental organizations.
Seaweeds and Carbon Sequestration
India’s strategy for climate-resilient fisheries includes leveraging seaweed’s carbon sequestration potential. The statement highlighted the importance of enhancing natural habitats, expanding seaweed culture systems, and fortifying mangrove ecosystems to facilitate improved carbon sequestration.
India urged global and regional bodies to integrate predictions from the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) with macro-indicators like habitat upheaval, resource stress, and market orientation. This integration, India suggested, would empower member nations to incorporate insights into dynamic regulatory frameworks, adaptations, and integrated managerial strategies.
During the meeting, CMFRI presented India’s statement on Mainstreaming Biodiversity in Marine Fisheries Management. The proposal called for the interlinking of reports on habitat mapping and valuation and fishery assessments for targeted resources, marine mammals, and migratory species to develop comprehensive regional indicators.
India highlighted the awareness among its fishermen regarding the role of biodiversity in marine ecosystems. Increasing reports of rescues involving entangled marine mammals and sea turtles underscore the fishing community’s understanding and commitment to biodiversity conservation.
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