The 30th session of the Indian Ocean Tuna Commission (IOTC), the first of its kind in the Maldives, has successfully concluded.
The key topics of discussion focused on the organisation, management, maintenance and conservation of various tuna varieties situated in the Indian Ocean.
Taking place from 4th to 15th May in Barceló Nasandhura, over 225 delegates participated in this meeting, including representatives from Indian Ocean coastal states, international organisations, fisheries experts, and senior officials.
In particular, the session comprised of 29 IOTC member countries, two countries working in tandem with the commission, 26 non-profit organisations and two countries functioning as observers.
During this meeting, a total of seven resolutions were passed, including three proposed by the Maldives. These were, to conserve varieties of Mobulid families (Manta Rays and Devilfishes), strengthen fisheries data release, and a modification to implement the Biodiversity Beyond National Jurisdiction (BBNJ) Agreement proposed the prior year.
The Maldives also played a major role in setting country-based catch limits for Yellowfin Tuna and swordfish and decisive measures to implement this resolution.
The Ministry of Fisheries, Agriculture and Ocean Resources stated that the Maldives hosting this session shows the priority given by the nation to shaping fisheries policies at both regional and international levels, as well as its contribution to the management of the sector.
The Ministry added that an important session such as this IOTC meeting is being hosted by the Maldives due to the important work being done by the government under the directive of President Dr Mohamed Muizzu. He stated that the government has made all necessary arrangements for this is as it is an important measure and would bring progress to the Maldives fisheries sector.
The Ministry also expressed their appreciation to Maldives Seafood Processors & Exporters Association (MSPEA), the Maldives Transport and Contracting Company (MTCC), Maldives Fisheries and Ocean Resources Marketing and Promotion Corporation Limited (MFORMPC), and Housing Development Corporation (HDC) for organising and managing this event.