Scientists start deep sea research to assess marine mammal stocks
February 25, 2021
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In a major attempt that would pave the way for boosting India’s seafood trade, the Central Marine Fisheries Research Institute, the Marine Products Export Development Authority and the Fishery Survey of India (FSI) have jointly launched a research cruise for assessing the marine mammal population of the EEZ.
The research initiative assumes significance in the wake of emerging seafood trade-related challenges faced by the fishermen targeting high-value resources and the export market players of India.
The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, USA, had issued import strictures of strict adherence to norms laid out in the Marine Mammal Protection Act of their country, stating that seafood exporting countries should not allow the intentional killing of marine mammals in commercial fisheries. For exporting fish and fish products, the US has given a five-year exemption period starting