The National Framework on Traceability in Fisheries and Aquaculture 2025 is developed under the Pradhan Mantri Matsya Kisan Samridhi SahYojana (PM-MKSSY) by the Department of Fisheries, Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry, and Dairying, Government of India. It aims to establish a national digital traceability system for fisheries and aquaculture to ensure compliance with domestic and international regulations, promote food safety, enhance sustainability, and improve market access. The framework is a transformative initiative to modernize India’s fisheries and aquaculture sector, ensuring sustainability, food safety, and global competitiveness. Context and Rationale India is a leading global fish producer and exporter, but its traceability practices are fragmented and inconsistent. The framework addresses regulatory gaps, crisis response, consumer confidence, market access, and inclusivity for small-scale stakeholders. Objectives Establish a unified national digital traceability system for fisheries and aquaculture. Ensure compliance with domestic and international regulations on fish and fishery products. Promote food safety, hygiene and quality assurance through transparent digital documentation system. Enhance sustainability and resource management by discouraging IUU fishing, supporting ecosystem-based management. Bring transparency, accountability, and enhancing consumer confidence in the fisheries and aquaculture value chains. Empower regulators with digital tools for licensing, inspections, certifications, and risk management. Facilitate participation of small-scale fishers and farmers in domestic and international trade of fish and fishery products. Support data-driven decision-making for fisheries governance and ease of doing business. Challenges in current system The current traceability system in India's fisheries and aquaculture value chain is highly fragmented and institutionally complex, as illustrated in the Fig. 1 and Fig. 2. Multiple stakeholders, from fishers/farmers and input suppliers to regulatory bodies and exporters, operate within isolated systems that lack seamless integration. At the production end, stakeholders such as fishers/farmers, input suppliers, and hatchery operators are often not digitally connected to any central database. These upstream segments form the foundation of traceability, yet they typically rely on manual recordkeeping or informal channels, which compromise data continuity as the product moves downstream. As products reach processors and exporters, traceability requirements become more stringent due to compliance needs tied to export destinations. Exporters interact with a dense network of institutions, including the Department of Fisheries (DoF), Export Inspection Council (EIC), and Marine Products Export Development Authority (MPEDA), each with independent data capture systems, inspection protocols, and certification requirements. Parallel to this, entities such as Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI), Coastal Aquaculture Authority (CAA), and Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) regulate standards, safety, and certification processes. Policy Support The framework aligns with national initiatives like PMMSY, Digital India, Blue Economy Policy, and global seafood trade standards. It integrates existing systems like SHAPHARI Certification, ReALCRaft, Vessel Monitoring System (VMS), and Blockchain-based protocols. Implementation Strategy A phased approach includes mapping value chains, addressing market requirements, designing a traceability system, and integrating existing systems. The framework will be implemented in six phases, starting with policy formulation, IT system development, pilot projects, integration of existing systems, national scale-up, and continuous improvement. Traceability System Design: The system will use Critical Tracking Events (CTEs) and Key Data Elements (KDEs) to ensure end-to-end tracking of fish and aquaculture products. It will employ technologies like blockchain, IoT, QR codes, GPS, and cloud-based infrastructure. Institutional Framework: A multi-tiered governance structure includes a National Level Governance Committee, Adoption Committee, State/UT Fisheries Departments, and field-level institutions for implementation, monitoring, and stakeholder engagement. Data Governance: The system ensures data ownership, role-based access control, cybersecurity, and data validation measures to maintain transparency, security, and trust. Capacity Building and Outreach: Training programs, awareness campaigns, and field support will empower stakeholders to adopt and benefit from the traceability system. Monitoring and Compliance: Key Performance Indicators (KPIs), regular monitoring, feedback mechanisms, and policy reviews will ensure effective implementation and alignment with global standards. To read the complete report, click here.