Delegations from member countries of the South West Indian Ocean Fisheries Commission (SWIOFC) met in Maputo, Mozambique, from 7 to 9 October 2026 for the 14th Meeting of the Working Party on Collaboration and Cooperation in Tuna Fisheries (WPCCTF). The meeting brought together fisheries officials and regional partners to strengthen cooperation on the sustainable management and development of tuna and tuna-like fisheries in the South West Indian Ocean.
Seychelles was represented by Ms Sheriffa Morel, Director General for Fisheries, who chaired the meeting, and Ms Stephanie Radegonde, Principal Policy Analyst, both from the Department of Fisheries. The WPCCTF provides a regional platform for member countries to exchange information, share experiences and coordinate approaches on fisheries issues of common interest. During the meeting, participants reviewed progress since the previous session and considered priorities for continued collaboration.
Discussions covered developments within the Indian Ocean Tuna Commission (IOTC), implementation of the FAO Port State Measures Agreement, and regional efforts to combat illegal, unreported and unregulated fishing. Member countries shared updates on national actions and considered opportunities to strengthen monitoring, control and surveillance, compliance and information sharing.
The meeting considered future priorities and workplans, alongside the Working Party’s Terms of Reference. Members endorsed a propodsl for a joint SWIOFC–IOTC workshop on neritic tuna in 2027, to support further technical exchange and cooperation in the region.
The three-day meeting provided an opportunity to advance common priorities and strengthen coordination among coastal States, recognising the contribution of tuna fisheries to livelihoods, food security and economic development across the South West Indian Ocean.
