The Maldives has submitted three proposals to the Indian Ocean Tuna Commission (IOTC) on ensuring sustainability of tuna stocks in the Indian Ocean. The proposals were submitted by the Maldivian delegation taking part in the ongoing 26th Session of the IOTC.
The first proposal submitted by the Maldives is related to rebuilding yellowfin tuna stocks. The proposal calls for the reduction of total catches of yellowfin tuna by 22% as advised by the Scientific Committee. The proposals calls to streamline penalties for overharvesting countries, and to establish a drifting FAD closure to reduce catches of juvenile yellowfin tuna.
The second proposal submitted by the Maldives was on sustaining skipjack tuna stocks. The proposal calls to reduce catches to the overall catch limit established and advised by the Scientific Committee and to differentiate catch reduction based on historical catch, development status and country classification.
The third proposal submitted by the Maldives was in relation to climate change. This proposal calls to improve the understanding of the impact of climate change on tuna species, and to build capacity of climate science in member states of IOTC.
The 26th Session of IOTC is set to be conducted until May 20. The session is participated by 23 member states of IOTC.