The intergovernmental organisation is responsible for the management of tuna and tuna-like species in the Indian Ocean. This equates to nearly a quarter of all tuna globally.
The IOTC promotes cooperation to ensure the conservation and of fish stocks as well as encouraging the sustainable development of fisheries.
This decision is the culmination of months of meetings and collaboration among numerous organisations including fishers, industry groups and retailers.
Support for proposal
In February, the International Pole and Line Foundation (IPNLF) hosted a workshop, supported by the Marine Stewardship Council (MSC), World Wildlife Fund (WWF), the International Seafood Sustainability Foundation, Sainsbury, Marks & Spencer and World Wise Foods, helping to build support for the proposal.
Skipjack in the Indian Ocean is currently abundant but this agreement will ensure the long-term sustainability.
The MSC applauded the decision by the IOTC to adopt “much needed” harvest control rules for skipjack tuna caught in the Indian Ocean.
Rupert Howes, chief executive of the MSC, said:“The adoption of this harvest control measure is a ground-breaking moment in the responsible management of tuna fisheries globally.
“The Maldives, supported by other Indian Ocean coastal states and the IPNLF, led the efforts to ensure that a framework is put in place for improved management of skipjack stocks.
“We congratulate the IOTC and all involved in delivering this agreement, a critical breakthrough for sustainable management of Indian Ocean tuna fisheries.”
Last year, close to 700,000t were caught by MSC certified fisheries, which represented about 22% of the total supply. There are now more than 245 MSC labelled skipjack tuna products, an increase of 113% since March 2014.
First precautionary harvest rule
Martin Purves, IPNLF fisheries development director, said: “This is the first ever precautionary harvest control rule adopted by a tuna Regional Fisheries Management Organisation while stocks are not overfished and reaffirms the sustainability credentials of the MSC-certified Maldives pole-and-line fishery.
“Action still needs to be taken to rebuild overfished yellowfin tuna stocks, and the IPNLF will continue to work with others to achieve this.”
Dr Mireille Thom, marine policy specialist with the WWF-UK, said: “This is the first time a tuna fisheries commission has adopted measures to protect the stock before it has collapsed.
“This decision for skipjack, along with the decision to cut the catch of Yellowfin tuna is a major step towards preserving Indian Ocean tuna stocks.
“We now look to all members to make every effort to develop an effective recovery plan. This is of particular interest to UK consumers, as much of the tuna we eat here comes from this region.”
The EU is the main single export market for Indian Ocean tuna (1.2 Mt/year).