Today marks the commencement of the 19th Working Party on Data Collection and Statistics (WPDCS19) organized by the Indian Ocean Tuna Commission (IOTC), hosted by the Department of Fisheries, Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry & Dairying, Government of India (GoI). The prestigious event, held at Hotel St. Regis, Mumbai, Maharashtra, has brought together leading scientists and experts in the field of Tuna fisheries from across the globe.
Ms. Neetu Kumari Prasad, Joint Secretary, Department of Fisheries, GoI, and Shri Atul Patne, Commissioner of Fisheries, Government of Maharashtra, graced the inauguration ceremony, emphasizing the significance of collaborative efforts in managing and conserving tunas and other large pelagic species.
Tunas, along with billfishes, sharks, and rays, play a crucial role in the global economy, contributing an estimated annual trade value of US$41 billion (in 2018). With the susceptibility of these species to overfishing by multinational fisheries, international cooperation is essential for effective management and conservation.
Participants from countries including Indonesia, France, Spain, other European Union (EU) nations, Seychelles, Tanzania, Iran, Thailand, Japan, Sri Lanka, Oman, and India attended the meeting in person. Additionally, numerous participants from various countries, IOTC, and scientific organizations joined the proceedings virtually.
The focal point of the gathering is the analysis of existing scientific methods employed by different countries in data collection, compilation, and reporting to IOTC for resource assessments. The goal is to formulate advanced and simplified methods for data collection and statistics in the Indian Ocean Region.
Following this meeting, the main Scientific Committee meeting of the IOTC will convene at the same venue from December 4th to 8th, 2023. This subsequent meeting will consider recommendations from the WPDCS and various other working parties, focusing on scientific recommendations for the sustainable management of tuna and similar species in the Indian Ocean.
