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Posted 26 Oct 2024

2 min read

It has been notified by  Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying

  • It aims to facilitate import of high-quality seed materials from abroad, promote seaweed enterprises in coastal villages, uphold environmental protection and address biosecurity concerns related to the sector. 

Need of Guidelines

  • Unique characteristics of seaweeds: Seaweeds are submerged in water and are exposed to different environmental conditions (e.g. varying salinity levels,temperature fluctuations)
  • Biosecurity risks: Seaweeds can harbour various diseases, pests, and pathogens
  • Biological factors: Differences in reproductive strategies and genetics can lead to persistence of seaweed in new environments

Guidelines 

  • No import of the seaweed live material shall be allowed if it is known to be a vector or carrier of pathogens or listed under CITES or in the threatened list of IUCN or that of the exporting country’s threatened list unless certified by the exporting country’s competent authority
  • Import of seaweed live material would require a valid permit from Department of Fisheries, Government of India and clearance from  National Committee on Introduction of Exotic Aquatic Species into Indian Waters.
  • Direct sale of imported seaweed in the domestic market or international market shall not be allowed.
  • Neither the exporter nor the importer shall claim any intellectual property or other right on the imported material.

About Seaweeds

  • It is a common name for species of marine plants and algae that grow in the ocean as well as in rivers, lakes, and other water bodies.
  • Examples: Kappaphycus alvarezii, Red Algae Gelidiella acerosa, Gracilaria edulis
  • Applications: laboratories, pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, cardboard, paper, paint and processed foods
  • India’s current seaweed production: It  is only 34000 tonnes against potential of around 9.7 million tonnes of seaweed per year
  • Pradhan Mantri Matsya sampada Yojana (PMMSY) is an flagship scheme which aims to increase seaweed production of the country to over 1.12 million tonnes by 2025.

 

  • Tags :
  • Seaweed
  • Biosecurity
  • Import Guidelines Seaweed
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