CITES Calendar

The Indian Ocean Tuna Commission is a Regional Fisheries Management Organization established under the auspices of the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations with a view to manage tuna and tuna-like species for their conservation and optimal utilization in the Indian Ocean. IOTC also collects data on selected non-target species, including the CITES-listed Oceanic Whitetip Sharks (Carcharhinus longimanus) and Scalloped hammerhead sharks (Sphyrna lewini). During its annual meeting its 32 Contracting Parties (CCPs) consider the reports of IOTC's subsidiary bodies (Scientific Committee, Compliance Committee, Standing Committee on Administration and Finance), review its performance and issues arising from past decisions, and consider proposals on Conservation and Management measures.

The CITES Secretariat attended the Commission session as an observer to follow discussions related to the management of CITES-listed by-catch species under IOTC and to explore possibilities for collaboration between CITES and IOTC, in particular in regard to increase knowledge about the stock status ofOceanic Whitetip Shark (Carcharhinus longimanus) and Scalloped Hammerhead Shark (Sphyrna lewini), that can be useful for CITES Parties in making non-detriment findings. The report of the meeting is available here.