The Indian Ocean Tuna Commission (IOTC)

IOTC is an intergovernmental organisation responsible for the management of tuna and tuna-like species – including sharks and rays - in the Indian Ocean.

The Shark Trust has been an engaged with IOTC for well over a decade, and an observer in our own right since 2024.

IOTC Parties include some of the most active shark fishing nations.

Our efforts to secure groundbreaking international conservation advances for Indian Ocean sharks and rays have contributed to:

• Retention bans for exceptionally vulnerable Mobulid Rays

• Unprecedented support for adopting a full retention ban for Whale Sharks

• Live release requirements for Shortfin Mako

• Significant commitments to improve handling best practice and technical conservation measures

• Adoption of a stronger finning ban, and

• Opportunity to shape the IOTC Shark Research Plan.