Europêche Tuna Group has called on regulators to maintain stable, science-based fisheries management measures ahead of the 30th session of the Indian Ocean Tuna Commission (IOTC), which will take place in Malé, Maldives, from 11 to 15 May 2026.
The industry group said the improving status of key tuna stocks demonstrates that existing management frameworks are delivering results. Yellowfin and skipjack tuna stocks are currently considered healthy, while bigeye tuna is showing signs of recovery under existing catch limits and management procedures.
Europêche Tuna Group argued that the positive trend reflects years of conservation efforts and operational sacrifices, particularly by the European tropical tuna purse seine fleet, and should be recognised in future yellowfin allocation decisions.
The group also warned against introducing additional operational restrictions on purse seine vessels, saying current quota systems already provide a comprehensive sustainability framework.
“Management decisions must remain consistent with the positive development and governance of the fishery,” said Xavier Leduc, president of Europêche Tuna Group.
“Restricting the replacement of supply vessels in IOTC is unjustified: renewal is essential to keep ensuring crew and equipment security, as well as to deliver on decarbonisation objectives. Priority must be given to full implementation of existing measures, including catch limits by all fleets.”
Europêche said European purse seine vessels already operate under some of the world’s strictest monitoring and compliance standards, including continuous vessel monitoring, near real-time reporting, full observer coverage and a ban on at-sea transhipment.
Ahead of the IOTC meeting, the organisation is urging wider adoption of monitoring and enforcement measures across all fleets, including increased observer coverage, a stronger regional vessel monitoring system and tighter action against illegal fishing practices such as driftnet use.
The group also highlighted the economic role played by European tuna operators in Indian Ocean coastal states, including Seychelles, Mauritius, Kenya and Tanzania, where the sector supports thousands of direct and indirect jobs, local processing industries and food security.
“Our operations are built on long-term cooperation with coastal States and tangible economic contributions at local level,” said Anne-France Mattlet, director of Europêche Tuna Group.
“This approach supports jobs, food security and industrial development, while maintaining high standards of sustainability and accountability.”
