Seafood – A Development Axis for the Blue Economy

The seafood industry plays a crucial role in the Indian Ocean region, with member states managing more than 5.5 million km² of Exclusive Economic Zones (EEZs). This area is one of the world’s most important tuna fishing zones, accounting for nearly 20% of global commercial tuna catches (close to one million tonnes) and 16% of the global tuna industry’s revenue (around $6.5 billion USD). The European Union, as the primary market, has a strong presence in the region through its fishing fleets and industrial operators, explaining the shared interest of the EU and regional states in the sector.

Through programs like SWIOFISH 1 and 2, funded by the World Bank, and the ECOFISH program, funded by the European Union, the Indian Ocean Commission (IOC) promotes responsible fisheries governance. These initiatives target both industrial and artisanal fishing, focusing on policy development and support for local fishing communities.

The IOC aims to strengthen seafood value chains, implement monitoring and control measures at sea, provide support to artisanal fishing communities, and assist key regional organizations such as the South West Indian Ocean Fisheries Commission (SWIOFC) and the Indian Ocean Tuna Commission (IOTC). In December 2019, the IOC also launched the Regional Action Plan for the Blue Economy (PAREB) to support the structuring of the blue economy at both national and regional levels. This plan promotes regional cooperation, economic integration, and concrete actions to translate policies into reality.

Additionally, the Indian Ocean Artisanal Fishermen Federation (FPAOI), supported by the IOC, plays a key role in addressing artisanal fishing challenges in the region. Identified during the initial phase of the program, it serves as an effective channel to engage with local fishermen’s organizations in four key countries and advocate for sustainable fishing practices.