The Maldives has successfully concluded the 30th annual meeting of the Indian Ocean Tuna Commission (IOTC), marking the first time the meeting was hosted in the country.

The meeting was held from May 4 to 15 at Barceló Nasandhura Malé and brought together more than 225 delegates from Indian Ocean coastal states, fishing nations and international organisations.

Discussions during the sessions focused on the sustainable management, conservation and planning of fisheries targeting tuna and other marine species in the Indian Ocean region.

A total of seven resolutions were adopted during the meeting.

The Maldives submitted three resolutions, including proposals related to the protection of stingray species, strengthening fisheries statistics reporting and converting last year’s proposal on engagement with the BBNJ Convention into a binding resolution.

According to the Ministry of Fisheries, all three resolutions proposed by the Maldives were successfully passed.

The ministry described the decision to host the meeting in the Maldives as recognition of the country’s commitment to science-based and sustainable fisheries management practices.

The ministry also highlighted ongoing efforts by President Dr Mohamed Muizzu to promote and strengthen the fisheries sector in the Maldives.