The association has been actively promoting the sustainable development of the fishmeal and fish oil (FMFO) industry.
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The Indian Marine Ingredients Association (IMIA) is spearheading a national initiative to strengthen the sustainability and global competitiveness of India’s marine ingredients sector.The association has been actively promoting the sustainable development of the fishmeal and fish oil (FMFO) industry through responsible sourcing, improved resource utilisation, scientific management, and stakeholder collaboration.Mohamed Dawood Sait, President of IMIA, said the association’s vision is to create a unified and credible sustainability framework for India that supports fishers, strengthens industry collaboration, and enhances the country’s standing in global markets.He pointed out that the marine ingredients sector plays a vital role in the national economy while supporting the livelihoods of thousands of fishers and workers across the fisheries value chain. The industry utilises low-value, short-lived and naturally abundant pelagic fish species, along with fish processing by-products, unavoidable by-catch and post-harvest losses, thereby promoting efficient resource utilisation and the principles of a circular economy.Recognising the need for a unified national approach to fisheries sustainability, Sait said IMIA has been advocating the concept of “One India-One Fishery Improvement Project (FIP).” A harmonised national FIP framework, he said, would strengthen India’s credibility in international markets, improve access to sustainability-focused buyers, reduce duplication of efforts, and provide a coordinated pathway for responsible fisheries management across the country.Representatives of IMIA and industry stakeholders from various coastal states expressed support for a nationally coordinated Fishery Improvement Project and underscored the need for collective action, stakeholder cooperation, and sustainable fisheries management practices to ensure the long-term future of India’s marine fisheries and marine ingredients industry, he said.Published on July 22, 2026
