IORA Priority Areas
The Crucial Role of IORA in Sustainable Fisheries Management
The Indian Ocean plays a vital role in global food security, with its fisheries and related industries providing sustenance for hundreds of millions of people. IORA Member States, contributing significantly to the sector with over 13% of global fish production, recognise the crucial need for sustainable management in the face of overfishing and climate change.
IORA is firmly committed to collaborating with partner countries, organisations, and stakeholders to address the challenges facing sustainable fisheries and aquaculture. This collaborative approach fosters shared responsibility and enhances the effectiveness of interventions aimed at protecting marine resources.
IORA envisions a future where sustainable and responsible fisheries management and aquaculture development in the region contribute to livelihoods, job creation, food security, poverty alleviation, and overall socio-economic development. To achieve this shared vision, IORA Member States have addressed diverse themes such as:
- Seafood safety and quality
- Seafood handling, processing, and storage
- Banking and artisanal fisheries
- Sustainable management and development of fisheries resources
- Fish trade
- Combating illegal, unreported, and unregulated (IUU) fishing
Indonesia's leadership in establishing the Core Group on Fisheries Management (CGFM) and developing a comprehensive Work Plan further bolsters this commitment. To achieve this collective vision, the CGFM, currently headed and coordinated by Oman, plays a vital role in enhancing sustainable practices and cooperation among member states. Additionally, the IORA Fisheries Support Unit (FSU), also hosted by the Sultanate of Oman, serves as a crucial center for knowledge sharing, capacity building, and addressing strategic issues related to fisheries and aquaculture in the region.
The Work Plan outlines projects covering various topics to be implemented by Member States, Dialogue Partners, and relevant stakeholders, including the FAO. The CGFM aims to:
- Enhance sustainable management, development, and practices in fisheries across the region.
- Foster cooperation in fisheries management among IORA member states.
- Ensure the protection and conservation of fisheries resources in the Indian Ocean.
Furthermore, the IORA FSU plays a critical role as a regional center for knowledge sharing, capacity building, and tackling strategic issues in fisheries and aquaculture. Key focus areas, as outlined in the Jakarta Concord, include:
Strengthening science-based management and conservation of marine resources: This involves supporting and enhancing the work of Regional Fisheries Management Organisations (RFMOs) and strengthening regional and international mechanisms to combat Illegal, Unreported, and Unregulated (IUU) fishing.
Promoting environmentally sustainable practices: This encompasses promoting sustainable practices in aquaculture, marine capture fisheries, and post-harvest technologies.
Boosting technical assistance and capacity building: This focuses on fostering and strengthening the protection and preservation of the coastal and marine environment.
Supporting small-scale fishers: This involves increasing capacity building efforts to promote sustainable fishing practices, facilitate trade in fish and fisheries products, and improve access to global markets, ultimately enhancing their livelihoods.
By working collaboratively with its Member States and partners, IORA is committed to ensuring the sustainable development and management of this critical sector, addressing the challenges of overfishing and climate change, and ultimately, securing the well-being of present and future generations.
