Marine mammal conservation crucial for India’s seafood export, say experts Devdiscourse dated 12th October 2023

Speaking at a workshop held at the 16th Agricultural Science Congress (ASC), P Anil Kumar, Joint Director of Marine Products Export Development Authority, Kochi, said the conservation of marine mammals is crucial for India's seafood export as the country must comply with the US Marine Mammal Protection Act (MMPA), which prohibits the intentional killing of marine mammals in commercial fisheries. The US is a major importer of Indian seafood, accounting for 33 per cent of the country's total exports in terms of value. ''If India fails to comply with the MMPA, its seafood exports to the US could be affected, impacting the livelihood of fishing communities," he said