The Cabinet of Ministers has approved a proposal to sign a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to establish the Indian Ocean Coastal States Alliance, aimed at strengthening regional cooperation in the sustainable management of tuna fisheries resources.
Tuna fisheries play a vital role in national economies, food security, employment generation and the socio-economic stability of coastal communities across the Indian Ocean region. However, increasing pressure from overfishing has emerged as a major threat to fish stocks and long-term food security.
In response, the proposed alliance will bring together Bangladesh, Indonesia, Iran, Madagascar, Malaysia, Maldives, Mozambique, Pakistan, Somalia, South Africa and Sri Lanka to enhance cooperation in managing tuna resources.
The proposal, submitted by the Minister of Fisheries, Aquatic and Marine Resources, seeks to promote sustainable fisheries management, improve the livelihoods of fishing communities, strengthen capacity building and ensure the long-term conservation of tuna stocks.
