Indian Ocean Tuna Sustainability Analysis Western Indian Ocean

Thai Union Europe - Project Dates:
July 2023 - January 2024

Description of Project:
The project examined the sustainability of pelagic tuna fisheries in the Indian Ocean, with a particular focus on the Western Indian Ocean and the four most commercially valuable species for the EU market: skipjack, yellowfin, bigeye and albacore tuna. Its aim was to provide a balanced, evidence-based assessment of fishing practices, catch patterns and supply chains, addressing increasing scrutiny of EU high seas fleets and clarifying misconceptions surrounding purse seine fisheries. The project sought to support informed decision-making by policymakers, industry, and other stakeholders by presenting clear analysis of the relative strengths and weaknesses of different fishing gears and fleet segments.

Services Provided:

Poseidon led the research and analysis for the report, drawing on scientific literature, fisheries data and market information to evaluate the performance and sustainability of Indian Ocean pelagic tuna fisheries. Poseidon assessed catch volumes, fleet structures, gear types and trade flows, with particular attention to EU-, Seychelles- and Mauritian-flagged purse seine fleets. The work translated complex technical evidence into an accessible format for a wide audience, including policymakers, seafood businesses, NGOs and researchers, supporting transparent and informed debate on tuna fisheries sustainability.