Oman reinforces its commitment to sustainable tuna fisheries management and regional cooperation at IOTC meet
The Sultanate of Oman, represented by the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries, and Water Resources, actively participated in the 29th session of the Indian Ocean Tuna Commission (IOTC), held on Réunion Island, France. The Omani delegation was led by Eng. Yaqoub Khalfan Al Busaidi, Undersecretary for Fisheries at the Ministry, reported omannews.gov.
The five-day meeting gathered member states to deliberate on the sustainable management of tuna fisheries, sharing scientific research, enhancing fishing efficiency, and exchanging technical expertise. The session also focused on future strategies, reviewed the latest recommendations, and analyzed reports from IOTC’s specialized committees and working groups.
Oman emphasizes sustainable practices and scientific cooperation at the IOTC summit, strengthening regional and global efforts in tuna conservation
Since joining the Indian Ocean Tuna Commission in 2000, Oman has been a consistent contributor to the organization’s mission, ensuring sustainable practices through data transparency and scientific collaboration. The Sultanate submits comprehensive annual reports detailing its fleets, catch volumes, and fishing efforts — essential components for the global assessment of tuna stocks.
Oman also partners with IOTC in adopting and implementing advanced technical measures, such as vessel monitoring systems and initiatives to curb illegal, unreported, and unregulated (IUU) fishing. Moreover, Oman plays a vital role in shaping regional resolutions that safeguard stock conservation while enabling fair and sustainable utilization of marine resources.
The IOTC, operating under the UN Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), was established to manage tuna and related species in the Indian Ocean and adjoining seas. It unites 29 member states and one cooperating non-member in its mission to preserve marine biodiversity, set binding conservation measures, and encourage technical and scientific cooperation on a global scale.
