EUR 90,000 worth of equipment for the region

The Indian Ocean Commission (IOC) has equipped fisheries observers with tools worth EUR 90,000, including safety, navigation, and data collection equipment.

This handover took place during the 12th meeting of the Working Group of National Observer Program Managers (WG-rPno), which coincided with the program’s 15th anniversary. The aim is to improve the monitoring of fishing activities in the region.

Joanne Lucas, Seychelles Fisheries Officer, explained that better tools allow for more reliable data collection, which strengthens the sustainable management of marine resources. “With this new equipment, observers will be able to more effectively record catches, discards, and interactions with marine life,” he said.

Eight countries are participating in this initiative: Comoros, Kenya, Madagascar, Mauritius, Mozambique, Seychelles, Somalia, and Tanzania. During the meeting, a memorandum of understanding was signed to coordinate and certify scientific observers and strengthen national programs.

The Mauritian Minister of Agro-Industry, Arvin Boolell, emphasized the importance of strengthening the training of monitoring agents and promoting information sharing between countries. Collins Kambu Ndoro, Chair of the WG-rPno, proposed implementing sustainable financial solutions, such as cost-sharing and public-private partnerships.

The Secretary General of the IOC, Edgard Razafindravahy, encouraged the development of technical and legal tools adapted to local realities. According to him, the WG-rPno will now take charge of observer certification and the coordination of secure data collection and sharing.