The ICAR-Central Institute of Fisheries Technology, Cochin signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoA) with the Indian Marine Ingredients Association, Bengaluru, Karnataka on 3rd May 2024. Dr George Ninan, Director, ICAR-Central Institute of Fisheries Technology and Mr. Mohamed Dawood Sait, President, IMIA signed the MoA on behalf of their respective organizations.

Under this umbrella agreement, IMIA is committed to protect the sustainability of the Indian fisheries sector and adopt the upgraded production process for the manufacturing of fishmeal utilizing the fishery waste generated by the industry. This collaboration will be further strengthened through specific sub-agreements, whereby ICAR-CIFT will provide technical advice and support to IMIA on efficient extraction and refinement protocols for the production of nutraceutical products, feed formulations, and omega-3 fatty acids from fish oil.

Dr. George Ninan, Director, ICAR-CIFT highlighted that this collaboration fosters the sustainability in fisheries by adopting suitable and effective measures in utilizing the waste generated by the fisheries industry for the production of high value products which can be used for various applications. By collaborating with ICAR-CIFT, IMIA can adopt suitable protocols for the extraction of nutraceuticals and omega-3 fatty acids which enhances the revenue generated.