Tuna fisheries and geopolitical change: coastal and fishing country tensions resurface at the Indian Ocean Tuna Commission

The 21st Session of the Indian Ocean Tuna Commission (IOTC) took place between 22 and 26 May 2017 in Yogyakarta, Indonesia. At the meeting, Commission members adopted eight legally binding measures for the purpose of conserving and managing tuna and tuna-like species in the Indian Ocean. Heated discussions during the meeting revealed differences between coastal and fishing country members within the Commission. Coastal countries were increasingly aware of the value of tuna fisheries in the region and argued for their interests to be reflected in measures the Commission adopted. Fishing countries were concerned that their historical role and legal rights were under threat. Several differences were resolved to reflect the special requirements of coastal countries in measures adopted at the meeting. However progress on developing the Commission’s broader approach to tuna management, such as a system for allocating fishing rights and a limitation on fishing capacity, have stalled.