Australia supports sustainable fisheries management in the Indian Ocean with a new AUD 300,000 programme |05 July 2019
HC Dee announcing the new funding
Australia continues to support developing coastal State members of the Indian Ocean Tuna Commission (IOTC) and the long-term sustainability of fisheries resources in the Indian Ocean with a new AUD 300,000 programme over two years.
The Australian Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade and Department of Agriculture (DA) have joined forces to provide scientific and technical support for the development of management procedures for key Indian Ocean tuna species. This is essential strategic science, critical to the long-term sustainability of these tuna resources.
This new funding, delivered by DA’s Fisheries Branch in collaboration with IOTC, will strengthen the fisheries management arrangements for these stocks, providing greater certainty and helping at-risk species to rebuild. It will contribute to the resource security and economic development of Indian Ocean coastal States, including the Seychelles.
Australian high commissioner to Mauritius and Seychelles, Jenny Dee, announced the new funding during an official visit to Seychelles last week.
“We are pleased to support strong, evidence-based management of our Indian Ocean fisheries resources. We want these stocks to be managed effectively and to continue to provide benefits to our region in the years to come,” Ms Dee said.
“Australia has committed AUD 300,000 to be delivered over two years, and we hope this will ensure the long-term sustainability of these crucial fish stocks and continue to deliver secure economic returns for coastal States.”
“Australia strongly believes that good science and the development of management procedures is the path to long-term sustainability.”
Australia’s grant follows the government’s previous AUD 225,000 commitment to strengthen Indian Ocean coastal State technical expertise and engagement in IOTC over 2019-21.
Dr Christopher O’Brien, executive secretary of the IOTC, welcomed this new grant and said that it will help in developing better management strategies which will help us in assessment and data management of the different species.
“The idea is to get a management model,” noted Dr O’Brien.
The Australian high commissioner seized the opportunity to congratulate the nation for its 43rd Independence day.