Minister of Fisheries, Agriculture and Ocean Resources Ahmed Shiyam has stated that key proposals submitted by the Maldives at the 30th session of the Indian Ocean Tuna Commission (IOTC) were approved.

Speaking on State media, Minister Shiyam noted that this year marked the first time the Maldives chaired the IOTC, which he described as one of the most important international bodies overseeing fisheries management in the Indian Ocean.

The meeting, held at Barceló Nasandhura, brought together more than 250 delegates from member countries and partner organisations. 

The Minister stated seven proposals were submitted during the session by various countries, while the Maldives presented three proposals. He said all three proposals submitted by the Maldives were approved during the meeting.

Minister Shiyam said one of the Maldives’ key priorities at the meeting was protecting the country’s existing yellowfin tuna quota allocation. He noted that the Maldives successfully defended its position during negotiations on quota distribution among Indian Ocean countries.

“One of the most important matters for the Maldives at this meeting was defending the country’s position in determining yellowfin tuna allocations among Indian Ocean nations,” Minister Shiyam said. “The Maldives’ position was to maintain the quota currently allocated to the country, and that objective was achieved.”

He added that preserving the current quota remains crucial as the Government continues efforts to expand and strengthen the fisheries sector, particularly the yellowfin tuna industry.

In addition, Minister Shiyam stated that proposals submitted by the Maldives to strengthen protection measures for manta species were also approved during the session.  Proposals aimed at improving fisheries data collection and enhancing mechanisms for information sharing among member states were also endorsed at the meeting.