ASIATODAY.ID, BALI — Coastal states of the Indian Ocean have moved to consolidate their collective position against the growing dominance of foreign distant water fishing vessels, following the adoption of a joint declaration of the Coastal States Alliance (CSA) at The 30th Session of the Coastal States Alliance (CSA-30), initiated by Indonesia.
The declaration marks a coordinated political effort by coastal nations to assert greater control over the management of highly migratory fish stocks—particularly tuna—within the framework of the Indian Ocean Tuna Commission (IOTC), advocating for governance that is fair, sustainable, and rules-based.
Indonesia’s Deputy Minister of Marine Affairs and Fisheries Didit Herdiawan Ashaf said the CSA serves as a strategic platform for Indian Ocean coastal states to align interests and strengthen their collective voice in international fisheries governance.
“The timing of this meeting is critical, as it coincides with key upcoming processes within the IOTC, including the Technical Committee on Allocation Criteria (TCAC) and the 30th Commission Session scheduled to take place in Australia in early February,” he said in an official statement released in Jakarta on Saturday, January 31, 2026.
Director General of Capture Fisheries Lotharia Latif emphasized that the alliance is designed to protect the interests of coastal states and their fishing communities, particularly in negotiations with distant water fishing nations (DWFNs).
“Through the CSA, coastal states are coordinating their strategies to safeguard national interests and improve their bargaining position in international fisheries negotiations,” he said.
John Burton, Chairman of the Sustainable Fisheries and Communities Trust (SFACT), welcomed the initiative, describing the CSA as a collaborative mechanism to prevent overexploitation of tuna resources in the Indian Ocean.
“We commend Indonesia’s leadership in establishing the CSA, including its role as secretariat and host of this meeting. The initiative aligns with the Indonesian President’s commitment to advancing a sustainable blue economy, as articulated at the World Economic Forum,” Burton said.
The joint declaration was formally delivered by Prof. Indra Jaya, Chair of the CSA, marking the alliance’s official formation. The document lays the foundation for enhanced solidarity and coordination among coastal states ahead of critical deliberations within the IOTC, aimed at ensuring a more balanced decision-making process.
The CSA currently comprises 12 member states: Bangladesh, India, Indonesia, Iran, Malaysia, Maldives, Madagascar, Mozambique, Pakistan, Somalia, South Africa, and Sri Lanka. The 30th CSA meeting in Bali was attended by representatives from 10 member countries, alongside relevant stakeholders.
Outcomes from the January 30–31 meeting also set the stage for strengthening the CSA’s institutional framework, including governance and operational mechanisms.
These are expected to be formalized through the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) at the Ocean Impact Summit 2026, scheduled to be held in Bali this June. (AT Network)
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