FLASH NEWS
On 12 December 2025, a detailed review meeting was held at the Yashaswi Fish Meal and Oil Company, Pithrody office to discuss the action plans addressing gaps identified during the Social Risk Assessment (SRA) for the Small Pelagic Purse Seine Fisheries – Karnataka State Fishery Improvement Project (FIP). The Social Risk Assessment was conducted between 09 and 11 December 2025 by Mr. Sven Blankenhorn, an experienced SRA auditor, with the objective of evaluating social conditions, labor practices, and stakeholder welfare within the purse seine fishery sector. This assessment represents a key component of the FIP’s commitment to responsible fisheries, ensuring not only environmental sustainability but also social accountability and worker welfare across the value chain. Prior to the field assessment, Mr. Sven Blankenhorn conducted a dedicated training program on 08 December 2025 for students from the College of Fisheries, who actively supported the survey process. Following the training, Mr. Blankenhorn and the student team visited fishing harbours and conducted extensive field surveys over three days. During this period, interviews were carried out with fishing vessel crew members, vessel captains, boat owners, fishermen association leaders, and cooperative representatives. The surveys gathered first-hand information on working conditions, occupational safety, wage practices, grievance mechanisms, and awareness of labor rights. The involvement of students not only
strengthened data collection but also served as a valuable capacity-building exercise, enhancing their practical exposure to social sustainability assessments in fisheries. During the 12 December review meeting, Mr. Blankenhorn presented the key findings of the SRA, clearly outlining the identified gaps and recommending practical, time-bound action plans to address them. The discussion focused on strengthening social safeguards, improving communication mechanisms, and enhancing compliance with international social responsibility standards. The meeting was attended by Mr. Udaya Kumar Salian, Lead – Small Pelagic Purse Seine Fisheries, Karnataka State FIP; Mr. Nagaraj Suvarna, President, Purse Seine Association; Mr. Santhosh, Secretary, Purse Seine Association; Mr. Raviraj Suvarna, President, Fishermen Association; and Mr. Arun, Director, Malpe Cooperative Society. The participants actively engaged in the discussions and expressed their commitment to implementing the proposed action plans, marking an important step toward improving social responsibility and ensuring fair and safe working conditions within Karnataka’s small pelagic purse seine fisheries.