Hussain Sinan

The 30th Session of the Indian Ocean Tuna Commission (IOTC), hosted by the Maldives for the first time, concluded today following a week of negotiations on the conservation and management of tuna and tuna-like species in the Indian Ocean. The Session was attended by 29 Members of the Commission, 2 Cooperating Non-Contracting Parties (CNCPs), and 2 observer countries. We extend our sincere appreciation to the 225 delegates who participated in the week-long meeting in the Maldives. The 30th Session resulted in the adoption of seven resolutions, including binding catch limits for yellowfin tuna and swordfish, as well as strengthened compliance measures. The Ministry thanks President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu for his leadership and support in hosting the 30th edition of the meeting in the Maldives. We also express our appreciation to all stakeholders, including MSPEA, @MTCCPlc , @MoFAmv, @mformpcmv, and @hdcmaldives, for their invaluable support in ensuring the smooth conduct of the Session. During the Session, the Maldives tabled and led negotiations on three resolutions that were successfully adopted by the Commission: the resolution on the conservation of mobulid rays; the resolution strengthening mandatory statistical reporting requirements; and the resolution promoting the objectives of the IOTC through cooperation with the BBNJ Agreement, which upgraded last year’s recommendation into a binding resolution of the Commission. The Maldives also played a key role, together with South Africa, in securing the adoption of binding catch limits for yellowfin tuna. As host of the 30th Session, the Maldives reaffirms its commitment to science-based, sustainable, and equitable management of tuna fisheries in the Indian Ocean, and to continued regional cooperation for the long-term sustainability of shared marine resources.

MFORMPC together with Horizon Fisheries Pvt Ltd, Ensis Fisheries Pvt Ltd, Blue Saltwater Pvt Ltd and Big Fish Maldives Pvt Ltd are at The Global Seafood Market Place 2026. This is the premier global seafood marketplace, connecting the entire seafood industry for three days of business, innovation, and networking. During the fair, we hosted a side event at the Maldives Pavilion under the theme “From Maldives to the World.” The session featured a panel discussion with the Honorable Minister of Fisheries, Agriculture and Ocean Resources, Ahmed Shiyam; Policy and Stakeholder Engagement Director at the Monterey Bay Aquarium, Josh Madeira; and Strategic Consultant at Maldives Industrial Fisheries Company, Athif Shakoor. The discussion explored key challenges and opportunities shaping the Maldives’ fisheries sector, with a particular focus on sustainability, market access, and value creation. The panel discussion was held to promote and celebrate the ratings update by the Seafood Watch for Maldives. This is the first time, Seafood Watch has introduced country-specific ratings for tuna fisheries and the Maldives stands at the forefront of this landmark development. #Frommaldives @ensisgroup @BigfishMV @mifcomv @MFAORmv

Maldives achieves landmark global recognition with first-ever country-specific Seafood Watch ratings. fisheries.gov.mv/images/SEAFOOD… fisheries.gov.mv/images/Seafood…