Proposal before UN body to reduce carbon footprints for climate-resilient fisheries
Ernakulam, Kerala - In a bid to address the looming threat of climate change on fisheries, India has proposed a substantial reduction of the carbon footprint as a significant step towards climate-resilient fisheries.
This was suggested at the first 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).
India’s statement on climateresilient fishing was presented to the global body by the ICARCentral Marine Fisheries Research Institute (CMFRI), Kochi. The Indian delegation was led by J Balaji, former Joint Secretary, Department of Fisheries,
Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying, Government of India.
Carbon emissions per kg of fish caught in India’s marine fisheries are 17.7 per cent less than the global average according to a recent study, said India.
It maintained that, in terms of climate change, India falls into the medium-tohigh category considering the overall impact by 2050. J Jayasankar, Head of Fishery Resources Assessment, Economics and Extension Division of CMFRI, read out the statement, highlighting India’s proactive stance on tackling the climate crisis in fisheries sector.
The meeting, held virtually from FAO, Rome, was attended by members of the FAO Committee on Fisheries (COFI) plus one member organisation, representatives from three specialised agencies of the United Nations, observers from other FAO member nations and non-governmental organisations.
Apart from CMFRI, officials from the Department of Fisheries, Govt of India and the Fishery Survey of India were also part of the Indian delegation. Dr Balaji was elected as the first vice-chairperson of the incoming bureau of the sub-committee, which serves as a forum for consultation and discussion on fisheries management, associated technical and policy issues, and the related work performed by FAO.
“A big step towards climateresilient fisheries is harnessing the carbon sequestration potential of seaweeds to mitigate climate change impacts. Enhancing natural habitats for improving seaweed resources and enhancing mangrove ecosystems may help lay the path for better carbon sequestration,” India’s statement said.