Australia's approach to Indian Ocean fisheries: towards closer regional engagement

The Indian Ocean region is made up of coastal states' Exclusive Economic Zones (EEZs) and high-seas supporting very diverse fisheries. Over 70% of the Indian Ocean is high seas (Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations [FAO], 2016). The fishing industry is not only a key economic sector in the Indian Ocean region; depleted fishing stocks also have broader implications for the security of the region. Fisheries are one of the most significant renewable resources that Indian Ocean countries have to secure food supplies, maintain livelihoods and assist economic growth.