IOTC – Indian Ocean Tuna Commission

IOTC Crosscutting & Specific Asks

1. Accelerate the adoption and implementation of comprehensive, precautionary harvest strategies. Specifically in 2022, agree on permanent limit and target reference points for tropical tuna and temperate tuna, and adopt a bigeye tuna management procedure.
2. In 2022, endorse the terms of reference and work plan developed by the IOTC EMS working group and accelerate work on EM minimum standards so these are adopted in 2023. Require 100% observer coverage (human and/or electronic) in industrial tuna fisheries, including all those vessels engaged in at sea transshipment, by 2024.
3. Adopt robust FAD management measures in line with the NGO Tuna Forum’s Aligned Guidance on FAD Management. Specifically in 2022, allow use by the Scientific Committee of FAD tracking data submitted for compliance purposes (Res. 19-02), and any other data required to inform sustainable FAD management; develop and implement science-based FAD limits consistent with precautionary management objectives for the tropical tunas; establish a timeline for transitioning to 100% biodegradable FADs; require fully non-entangling FADs with no netting or meshed materials; and by 2023 develop a fully transparent FAD-recovery policy, a FAD marking scheme, clearer rules for FAD ownership and stronger rules for activation and deactivation of FAD buoys.
4. Amend Resolution 17/05 on the conservation of sharks caught in association with fisheries managed by IOTC to require fins naturally attached for ALL (i.e. fresh and frozen) sharks without exceptions, thereby adopting the globally acknowledged best practice to prevent finning.