The Indian Ocean Tuna Commission (IOTC) meeting, held in Bangkok, Thailand, has successfully concluded with a delegation from the Maldives, represented by the Ministry of Fisheries and Ocean Resources, actively participating. Notably, 16 proposals were adopted following the convention.
The Maldives expressed optimism regarding the strategic adaptation of Drifting Fish Aggregating Devices (dFAD) management measures, initially facilitated and proposed by President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu. Following proactive engagement in the meeting, the Maldives highlighted plans to establish a dFAD register and monitoring system, impose strict limits on the number of dFADs, and reduce the number of supply vessels. This comprehensive system aims to enhance the management and monitoring of dFADs.
Moreover, Maldives further acknowledged the support of delegations from South Africa, Indonesia, Korea, European Union (EU), Pakistan, Mauritius, and Seychelles in adopting the measure. Their collaborative efforts were instrumental, especially as the meeting approached its commencement.
Furthermore, one of the central highlights of the meeting was the comprehensive adoption of management procedures (MP) for Skipjack tuna and Swordfish. This proposal was a joint effort by the Maldives and the European Union, following years of collaboration by expert scientists and managers within the IOTC. Remarkably, this is the first swordfish MP globally and the first non-tuna MP ever adopted by a regional fisheries management organization.
Additionally, the Maldives and South Korea led a proposal addressing climate change, aimed at bolstering existing measures and providing extensive guidance on the direct impact of climate change on the IOTC's operations.
However, the Maldives expressed discontent when a proposal focusing on shark conservation, submitted by the Maldives and Pakistan, was withdrawn due to the lack of unanimous agreement. The Maldives strongly supported this implementation, which would have required all sharks to be landed with their fins naturally attached and prohibited the use of shark lines.