According to a recent study, India shared that the CO2 emission per kg of fish caught by its marine fisheries is 17.7 per cent less than the global average 

 India has proposed tackling the adverse impacts of climate change on fisheries during a virtual meeting organised by the UN’s Committee on Fisheries (COFI) at the Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO). Led by  J. Balaji, former Joint Secretary at the Department of Fisheries, Union Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and  Dairy, the Indian delegation suggested a substantial reduction in the carbon footprint as a crucial step towards climate-resilient fisheries.

In the inaugural session of the Sub-Committee on Fisheries Management, India highlighted a recent study indicating that the CO2 emission per kg of fish caught by its marine fisheries is 17.7 per cent less than the global average.

India urged international and regional bodies to integrate predictions from the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) with macro-indicators such as habitat upheaval, resource stress and market orientation. This integration would enable member nations to dynamically incorporate insights into regulations, adaptations and integrated managerial strategies.

Additionally, India proposed leveraging the carbon sequestration potential of seaweeds to mitigate climate change impacts. The country called for global and regional bodies to conduct capacity-building exercises addressing greenhouse gas emissions in capture fisheries and aquaculture, spatial planning, cross-sectoral planning, adaptive fisheries management, resilience and safety at sea, ecosystem rehabilitation and strengthening farming structures.

Furthermore, India suggested member countries share scalable and reproducible solutions, emphasising that the FAO should document them for the common benefit of the international community. The Indian delegation included officials from CMFRI, the Central Fisheries Department and the Fisheries Survey of India.

The virtual meeting, attended by members of COFI, representatives from three UN specialised agencies and observers from FAO member nations and international organisations, covered diverse topics, including the integration of biodiversity in marine fisheries management. The Indian delegation also presented India’s statement on this issue during the proceedings.