Tanzania pushes for greater share of tuna resources at key Indian Ocean fisheries meeting
What you need to know:
- Tanzania’s bid has already received nods of support from several delegates, with many acknowledging its pivotal role in managing regional marine ecosystems and enforcing sustainable fishing measures.
Zanzibar. Tanzania has called for a fairer share of tuna resources in the Indian Ocean during the 15th Meeting of the Technical Committee on Allocation Criteria (TCAC15), which began today July 14, 2025 in Zanzibar under the Indian Ocean Tuna Commission (IOTC).
In a strongly-worded address, Ms Agnes Kisaka Meena, Principal Secretary at the Ministry of Livestock and Fisheries, made a compelling case for increased allocation, citing Tanzania’s extensive coastline and the broad swathes of international waters under its oversight.
“Tanzania is committed to sustainable fishing practices and the responsible management of our marine resources,” said Ms Meena. “Given our extensive coastline and the international waters we oversee, it is vital that we receive a fair allocation that reflects our contributions and responsibilities in the Indian Ocean.”
The TCAC15 meeting brings together member states of the IOTC to negotiate and agree on equitable allocation criteria for tuna stocks, a resource of economic and ecological importance. Discussions are expected to centre around sustainability, regional cooperation, and balancing the interests of coastal and distant-water fishing nations.
Tanzania’s bid has already received nods of support from several delegates, with many acknowledging its pivotal role in managing regional marine ecosystems and enforcing sustainable fishing measures.
Decisions from the week-long conference are anticipated to shape future tuna allocation policies within the IOTC framework, with Tanzania’s proposal seen as a potential game-changer in shifting regional fisheries governance towards greater equity and environmental responsibility.
The event is being coordinated by Showtime, one of Tanzania’s leading event management firms. Showtime’s CEO, Mr Ibrahim Mitawi, said the successful organisation of the TCAC15 meeting underscores Zanzibar’s growing reputation as a destination for high-level international conferences.
“As organisers, we are proud to support this event which places Zanzibar on the global map of sustainable marine policy discussions,” Mr Mitawi said.
With global attention increasingly turning to the sustainability of marine resources, particularly tuna, the outcomes of TCAC15 could significantly influence how nations collaborate in the shared stewardship of the Indian Ocean’s fisheries. Stakeholders from across the fishing sector, environmental groups, and policymakers remain watchful as the meeting unfolds.
