Step 1: Understanding the Concept:
IUU regulation compliance in seafood trade: MPEDA is the designated competent authority in India for validating and issuing Fish Catch Certificates for marine wild-caught exports to the European Union.
Step 2: Detailed Explanation:
In marine seafood export governance and regulations:
- Under European Union (EU) Regulation (EC No. 1005/2008) to prevent, deter, and eliminate Illegal, Unreported and Unregulated (IUU) fishing, all marine wild-caught seafood consignments exported from India must be accompanied by a validated Catch Certificate.
- In India, the Ministry of Commerce and Industry designated the Marine Products Export Development Authority (MPEDA) as the competent authority to validate, monitor, and issue official Fish Catch Certificates to seafood exporters.
Step 3: Final Answer:
Hence, fish catch certificate in India is issued by MPEDA, matching option (C).