Insight – Sustainability in the Spotlight During Tuna Conference in Seychelles

The Citizen (Dar es Salaam)

Reuben Kyama

23 April 2011

Mahe — The Seychelles 2nd Tuna Conference was held early this month on the coast of the Island of Mahe, with industry representatives, government leaders, scientists and conservationists analyzing issues important to the sustainability of Indian Ocean tuna stocks.

Republic of Seychelles minister for Investments Natural Resources and Industry Peter Sinon opened the conference with a speech that emphasized the important role of tuna fisheries and natural resources to coastal states in the region.

“The existence of a seemingly abundant stock of tuna cannot be claimed to be a design of any man but is a gift from nature,” Minister Sinon remarked. “We intend to send the strongest message possible to highlight the fact that our intention is to protect our blue gold.”

Around 24 per cent of the world’s tuna is caught in the waters of the Indian Ocean, making sustainability a driving issue for industries, economies and the marine environment. Following the momentum generated last year, organizers of the Seychelles 2nd Tuna Conference set out to continue a regional conversation on improving the sustainability of tuna resources. Experts presented on topics including bycatch, fishing capacity, chain of custody and expectations of all stakeholders.

“Consumers are becoming more and more aware of what they eat today; they are becoming more conscious of responsible, good fishing practices,” Minster Sinon added. “I hereby pledge the relentless commitment of the government of Seychelles to continue to work toward an even more sustainable tuna industry.”

The conference was organized by the Government of the Seychelles in collaboration with MW Brands and the US-based International Seafood Sustainability Foundation among other partners.

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