30th session of Indian Ocean Tuna Commission kicks off in Maldives

The 30th session of the Indian Ocean Tuna Commission (IOTC) kicked off on Monday in the Maldives.

It marks the first time for the country to host the commission, which is an intergovernmental organization responsible for the management of tuna and tuna-like species in the Indian Ocean.

The Maldives today officially opened the 30th Session of the Indian Ocean Tuna Commission (IOTCS30), marking the first time it is hosting the Commission.

The session, which will continue at the Barceló Nasandhura Malé until Friday, brings together over 200 representatives from countries in the Indian Ocean and beyond, as well as international fisheries experts.

The opening ceremony on Monday morning was attended by Maldivian Fisheries Minister Ahmed Shiyam, Foreign Minister Iruthisham Adam, Economic Minister Mohamed Saeed, and Environment Minister Ali Shareef.

Opening the session, Shiyam highlighted the deep connection between the Maldivian people and the ocean, and reaffirmed the Maldives’ longstanding commitment to sustainable and responsible fisheries management.

He also underscored the importance of international cooperation, science-based decision-making, and ensuring that the voices and realities of coastal and Small Island Developing States (SIDS) are reflected in the management of shared tuna resources.

“The decisions we make during this session will shape the future of coastal communities, food security, livelihoods, and the sustainability of one of the world’s most important tuna resources,” he said.

Meanwhile, Iruthisham, who served as chief guest of the ceremony, highlighted that the Maldives’ foreign policy priorities have long centered on tourism, trade, and tuna.

She also underscored the importance of ensuring coherence across global ocean-related commitments, including under the Agreement on Marine Biological Diversity of Areas Beyond National Jurisdiction, or the BBNJ Agreement.

Fisheries Ministry states that hosting the IOTC reflects the strong emphasis placed by President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu’s administration on strengthening the fisheries sector and advancing the Maldives’ engagement in regional and international ocean governance.

The session will see the Complaints Committee convene for its 23rd session, the Administration and Finance Committee convene for its 23rd session, and the Technical Committee on Management Procedures convene for its 10th session. These committees will be making important decisions regarding fisheries quotas and policies on sustainable fisheries.