30th Session of the Indian Ocean Tuna Commission Commences in the Maldives

The 30th Session of the Indian Ocean Tuna Commission (IOTC) has officially begun in the Maldives today.

The commission's meeting, which will run from today until the 15th of this month, commenced this morning at Barceló Nasandhura. This is the first time an IOTC annual meeting is being held in the Maldives.

The Ministry of Fisheries, Agriculture and Ocean Resources stated that more than 200 delegates, fisheries experts, and senior officials from Indian Ocean coastal states and around the world are participating in this meeting.

In addition to the main IOTC session, meetings of other important committees operating under the commission are also scheduled to be held in the Maldives, the Ministry noted. Accordingly, the 23rd Session of the IOTC Compliance Committee is taking place today. A delegation from the Ministry participated in this meeting.

In the coming days, the 23rd Session of the Standing Committee on Administration and Finance and the 10th Session of the Technical Committee on Management Procedures are also scheduled to be held.

The Ministry stated that the decision to host the IOTC meeting in the Maldives is a significant opportunity to further strengthen the country's fisheries industry and its role in the international arena, describing it as a major advancement for the Maldivian fisheries sector.

This important opportunity was secured for the Maldives due to the significant efforts being made by the current administration, spearheaded by President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu, to develop the fisheries industry. The Ministry noted that President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu decided to host such a crucial meeting as the IOTC in the Maldives because of its importance and the benefits it will bring to the fisheries sector. The Ministry also highlighted that the government is bearing all costs associated with hosting this meeting, which demonstrates its significance.

The IOTC is a regional fisheries management organization responsible for the conservation and sustainable management of tuna and tuna-like species in the Indian Ocean. Decisions made by the IOTC include measures for the robust management of tuna resources in the region, establishing catch limits, and setting guidelines for conducting scientific research. The Ministry added that these decisions will pave the way for sustaining tuna populations and maximizing the benefits of the fisheries industry for future generations.