The Pacific Island Forum Fisheries Agency (FFA) and the Pacific Community recently collaborated to hold the first Gender Equality and Social Inclusion (GESI) event. The participants discussed about the recognition of women in tuna fisheries, data gaps in women’s contributions, market development equity, and inclusive governance structures. Over 60 leaders and representatives from both groups and civil society organizations took part in the sessions that were held at the FFA Conference Centre at Honiara from April 9 to 11.

Enhancing the participation of women in tuna and other seafood fisheries management and development processes were also discussed. Cook Islands Minister Toki-Brown said that the Pacific Islands is committed to empowering small-scale fish entrepreneurs, especially women, by removing barriers to market access. “Through open dialogue, we can aim to create a way that is equitable and sustainable for all,” she said.

Liberia requested the IOTC for permission to continue as a Cooperating Non-Contracting Party (CNCP) because it has reefer/carrier and support vessels flying its flag that transship tuna in the RFMO’s convention area. According to the IOTC vessel list, four cargo freezers and one supply vessel for purse seiners are listed under Liberia, and there are no tuna fishing vessels in the record. In a letter to the IOTC Executive Secretary, dated February 12, 2024, the West African nation ensured its compliance to IOTC standards and regulations such as vessel monitoring systems, authorization to transship, establishment of fish monitoring center, and investigation of alleged IUU fishing boats.

The IOTC currently has 31 contracting parties (CPCs) that are members and two CNCPs, Liberia and Senegal. The RFMO reviews and renews CNCP status annually and revokes it if the country is found to have carried out non-compliant activities with IOTC conservation and management measures.

The Kenyan tuna sector recently held a national management workshop in Mombasa. According to the Fisheries Transparency Initiative (FiTI), which was one of the participants, Kenya’s tuna industry is underexploited and has the potential to contribute even more to the country’s GDP and economic development. “However, the decision-making process for this fishery needs transparency and multi-stakeholder participation to increase harvest sustainably.”

The government representatives discussed a management plan for Kenya’s tuna fisheries and other initiatives pertaining to the sector that will make information accessible to the public. The East African nation has five longliners operating in the IOTC convention area and several small-scale vessels catching this fish within its EEZ. FiTI is a global partnership that seeks to increase transparency in data and improve sustainability in coastal fishing nations. Kenya is not a FiTi member.