International shark conservation is rarely simple. Progress often comes through long negotiations, careful wording, and a lot of persistence.

In the latest update episode of the Shark Trust Podcast, host Mark Stokes-Packer spoke with Ali Hood, Shark Trust’ Director of Conservation, following the latest annual meeting of the Indian Ocean Tuna Commission - known as IOTC.

IOTC is one of the world’s five tuna Regional Fisheries Management Organisations (tRFMOs). These bodies manage tuna fisheries across huge areas of the high seas, but their decisions also include tuna-like species. This includes billfish, like Marlin and Swordfish, and the sharks and rays. For the Shark Trust, this makes IOTC an important arena for pushing for stronger, science-based management of Oceanic Sharks and Rays.

The Indian Ocean is a particularly important region. There are many shark and ray species caught in tuna fisheries there, and effective management is urgently needed. While progress can be slow, Ali explained that being present in these meetings matters. Conservation organisations need to make sure they engage throughout the year, not just during the final annual meeting. That means contributing to Working Groups, the Scientific Committee, reviewing proposals, and speaking with governments. And making sure the science that was formed at the start of this process is clearly represented in the Commission meeting at the end.

One positive coming out of IOTC this year was improved handling guidance for Mobulid rays. A group that includes Mantas and Devil Rays. These species are already protected from retention, but they can still be accidentally caught. What happens next is critical. If a ray is caught, is it brought on deck? how is it handled? how quickly is it released? and what equipment is available? This can all affect its chances of survival. The new guidance includes more detailed advice and the equipment fishing vessels will require for this. Although the proposed visual illustrations from the Manta Trust were not included in the final text, there is hope these will be used as supporting material. Clear visual guidance could be especially valuable for crews working across different languages and levels of literacy.

The episode also explored the more frustrating side of international fisheries negotiations. A key discussion focused on Whale Sharks and whether they should receive full prohibition within IOTC. Despite strong conservation arguments and support from several parties, the decision was delayed because the scientific recommendation was not considered explicit enough in its wording.

The Devil is in the Detail

It is a reminder that, in these meetings, small words can have big consequences. A lack of clarity in one recommendation can delay protection for a species by another year. For Ali and the Shark Trust, the next step is to help make the case for Whale Sharks as strong and watertight as possible before the next scientific committee meeting.

The conversation highlighted the importance of trust, credibility and long-term relationships. NGOs may be observers in RFMO processes, but consistent involvement helps influence decisions that are built on evidence and conservation need.

This work is detailed. It can be slow. But it matters.

The Shark Trust’s involvement in the Indian Ocean is made possible by the Big Shark Pledge community, and donations raised through the BigGive. By supporting this work, fundraisers and supporters help make sure sharks and rays have a voice in the room where decisions are made. To add your voice, sign the Big Shark Pledge at bigsharkpledge.org.