Commissioner Kadis in La Réunion to open the 29th Indian Ocean Tuna Commission meeting

On 13 April, Commissioner Kadis will officially open the 29th annual meeting of the Indian Ocean Tuna Commission (IOTC), which plays a crucial role in overseeing the conservation of tuna and tuna-like species. The meeting, hosted by the EU in La Réunion and opened together with Agnès Pannier-Runacher, French Minister for the Ecological Transition, Biodiversity, Forests, Marine Affairs and Fisheries, will take place from 13 to 17 April 2025. 

The IOTC promotes cooperation for the conservation and optimal utilisation of the tuna stocks in the Indian Ocean and to ensure the establishment of sustainable fisheries in the region. To achieve these objectives, IOTC members, including the EU, meet annually, discuss and adopt measures for the conservation and management of tuna and tuna-like species.

During this year’s meeting, the EU aims to drive progress in the sustainable management of critical fish stocks, enhance compliance, and strengthen monitoring efforts across the ocean. Following scientific evidence and global cooperation, the EU recognises the urgent need to address pressing challenges, such as overfishing and environmental degradation. The EU has prepared a number of proposals to be discussed at the meeting. They include, for instance, measures to ensure the sustainable management of key fish stocks, notably tropical tuna and sharks. This shows the EU’s commitment to sustainable fisheries management.