Oman Participates in IOTC Meeting on Tuna Quota Allocation

Perth: The Sultanate of Oman is participating in the 16th meeting of the Committee on the Allocation of Fishing Quotas of the Indian Ocean Tuna Commission rrently being held in Perth, Australia, with the participation of representatives from 29 member states and nine regional and international organizations concerned with tuna fisheries management.

The Sultanate of Oman’s delegation is headed by Eng. Yaqoob Khalfan Al Busaidi, Undersecretary of the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Water Resources for Fisheries.

The meeting, which continues until 6 February, reviews a number of key technical issues, most notably the allocation of fishing quotas, considerations related to artisanal and small-scale fisheries, and the general framework governing quota distribution. Discussions also cover baseline requirements, special provisions for developing countries, and proposed alternatives to current allocation mechanisms.

During the meeting, the Omani delegation stressed the importance of strengthening cooperation among member states to reach consensus-based outcomes that ensure the sustainable utilization of tuna resources in the Indian Ocean. The delegation reaffirmed Oman’s commitment to supporting the work and directives of the Indian Ocean Tuna Commission aimed at conserving tuna stocks, in a manner that safeguards the Sultanate’s right to invest in high-seas tuna fisheries.

The delegation also underscored the importance of aligning national fisheries plans with international frameworks, contributing to food security and supporting the achievement of sustainable development goals.

Oman’s participation in the meeting reflects its continued efforts to highlight its international standing in the fisheries sector and reaffirms its commitment to the principles of transparency, multilateral cooperation, and sustainable management of marine resources for the benefit of present and future generations.